Lance Cpl. Christopher Duncan

Combat Correspondent
Marines from Quantico volunteered at the Prince
William Ice Center during the second annual Toys for
Tots Charity hockey game, last Sunday.
The National Capital Region Military Hockey
Team faced the D.C. Police Team, attracting more than
200 spectators who donated approximately $1,000
and 200 toys.
Sgt. Ryan Parent, coach of the military hockey team,
had high hopes for the charity results and expects a larger
turnout next year. With the game being held during
the Thanksgiving weekend, it can be difficult for people
to attend.
“It’s fairly difficult to get an event like this organized
because it has so many moving parts,” Parent said.
“I know that the holidays are a hard time for everyone
to find a little extra to give to a charity because of
today’s economy,” Parent said. “We are going to consider
holding the event on a different day next year
when it will be more convenient for contributors.”
The game ended with the military team beating the
D.C. Police 7-5 after an upsetting deficit of 0-2 at the
end of the first quarter.
“We wanted to give the crowd a good show for
helping others,” Parent said.
Parent said he believes that the charity efforts
won’t go unnoticed and will be a great asset to the
Toys for Tots foundation in the future.
“We understand that many parents can’t provide
for the families as much as they would like for
Christmas. That’s why we recognize the importance
of giving back to the community in any way we can,”
said Parent. “We wanted to show them that we will do
everything we can to win for them, just like they will
do everything they can to win for their families.”
Participants and coordinators are already talking
about making preparations for next year.
“The community was very supportive of our
cause,” Parent said. “I’m confident that next year we’ll
be able to provide even more for local children for
Christmas.”

— correspondent: christopher.duncan2@usmc.mil