HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe and representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves unveiled a “Toys for Tots” drop-off collection site at the Game Commission’s Harrisburg headquarters. In addition to serving as a “Toys for Tots” collection site, Roe donated, on behalf of the agency and the Commonwealth’s hunters and trappers, 100 stuffed black bears.
Joining Roe was Gunnery Sgt. Trevor Kent and Lance Cpl. Brad McClain, of the U.S. Marine Corps Inspector Instructor Staff in Harrisburg.
“The Pennsylvania Game Commission, past and present, has had many men and women who served in the active duty military, including the U.S. Marine Corps,” Roe said. “It is in their honor that we have decided to serve as a collection site for the Toys for Tots program.”
“We recognize at this time of year, it is important to share with those in need.
“Much like our hunters support programs to help feed their fellow Pennsylvanians through the Hunters Sharing the Harvest, we want to support a program that has been around for 60 years to make sure that disadvantaged children are not forgotten at Christmas time.
“And, as we will see hundreds of hunters come through our doors to purchase their licenses prior to the bear and deer seasons, we encourage them to consider bringing a toy to donate to deserving children.
“We also are surrounded by many other state agencies and private business along Elmerton Avenue and surrounding roads. We welcome them to stop by and drop off their donation.
“Lastly, we again are donating 100 stuff black bears to the Toys for Tots program. Each of these stuffed animals has a small tag with a bit of information about our black bears, which are just one of the more than 460 species of wild mammals and birds that the Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for managing.”