Media Contact Only: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195

Today, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced that its Takoma Community and Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren Street, NW, has been chosen as an official drop-off location for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program (Toys for Tots).

Friday, December 12 thru Sunday, December 14, from 7 am to 7 pm, Takoma Community and Aquatic Center will be the host site for the annual Turkey Claus Showdown Championship which is a proud sponsor for Toys for Tots.  The annual swim meet, hosted by Machine Aquatics Swim Team as a member of Potomac Valley Swimming, is asking every participating swimmer to donate at least one (1) new toy to be given to DC Metropolitan area children in need.  Members of the public are also invited to donate toys. 

“DPR is excited to serve as a host site for this annual competition which is also a sponsor of such a worthwhile and impacting program for children,” said Brendan McElroy, DPR’s new director of aquatics. “In addition to teaching District youth swimmers about sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork, this event allows us to reinforce the importance of community and of giving to the less fortunate during the holiday season and throughout the year.”

Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year and distributes them as Christmas gifts to children in need in communities in which campaigns are conducted. The program desires to help needy youngsters throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas and believes that through the seemingly simple action of delivering a shiny new toy to them at Christmas that it also sends a message of hope that can motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens and community leaders.

According to Meet Director Paris Jacobs, “Machine Aquatics is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with the District of Columbia's Department of Parks and Recreation. “We are confident that through the benevolence of District residents and meet participants that we will exceed last year’s donation 1,000 toys and $2,500 to Toys for Tots for Washington Metropolitan area children.”

During the weekend of the meet, the Takoma Aquatic Center will be closed to the public for swimming; the meet is open to the public for viewing and admission is free.  Takoma Aquatic Center will reopen and resume regular hours on Monday, December 15.

For more information about ways to support or contribute to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, please contact DPR's Office of Partnerships and Development at (202) 671-1462 or DPRpartnerships@dc.gov.