Men, women and children shared food and good company at the Annual Toys for Tots Luncheon on Jan. 28, 2014, at Brocks Riverside Bar & Grill to bring the 2013 Toys for Tots season to an official close.

While time in the warehouse was winding down back in December, the program still had a great deal of work to be done. Toy collection and distribution ended just a few short days before Christmas, however, the Marines of 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion continued to work behind the scenes to measure to all the effort the community put forth.

“It isn’t always clear that a handful of Marines do such an incredibly big job during the Toys for Tots holiday season,” said Maj. Charles O’Neill, inspector-instructor for Delta Co., 4th LAR. “But just six Marines, the dedicated volunteers from Marine Corps Base Quantico and community volunteers here today worked at the warehouse from Nov. 1 up to Christmas and beyond. You all have my personal thanks.”

The Toys for Tots staff coordinated more than 800 volunteers who collectively logged more than 4,000 volunteer hours.

“This campaign has withstood the test of time, because it is fundamentally good,” said O’Neill to a group of supporters.

During the luncheon, commander’s awards were distributed to individuals who gave a great deal of support to the program as well as to the program staff who were awarded certificates of commendation from the commander himself.

“I didn’t expect any kind of award or recognition when I signed up to support last year,” said Lance Cpl. Adam Tucker, a combat videographer who volunteered for multiple events during the 2013 campaign. “It’s always nice to do something good just because and then be highlighted for it, though.”

The Marines awarded actively serve in units across the base such as Marine Helicopter Squadron One, The Basic School and Combat Camera among others. Without them, O’Neill said the campaign could not have succeeded.