Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will collect toys Wednesday from Geppetto's at The Forum Carlsbad. CARLSBAD, CA — The spirit of giving returns to The Forum Carlsbad this holiday season as an anonymous donor brings joy to local children through a gift of more than $100,000 in toys from Geppetto's. Now in its seventh consecutive year, the annual donation supports Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program that collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to underprivileged children during the holidays. "This donation makes such an impact for those families and children less fortunate in our community," Brian Miller, owner of Geppetto's, told Patch. In addition to the donor's contribution, Geppetto's also donates toys to add to the collection. The toys will be boxed and loaded by members of the Marine Corps Wednesday at Geppetto's at The Forum Carlsbad. The event kicks off the start of this year's Toys for Tots campaign. "Toys for Tots and the amazing Marine service members provide an opportunity for these families to experience the joy of the holidays — literally thousands of toys going to children," Miller said. "Our donor hopes that his generosity will also inspire others to donate." The annual donation also supports the locally owned and operated company, which has nine locations across the county. "As a small local business, the partnership and trust that has been established with Geppetto's is so meaningful to me on a personal level," Miller said. "And a sale like this is also meaningful financially to a small business." Although this is the seventh year the donor has partnered with the San Diego-based chain, Miller does not know the identity of the philanthropist. He works through his team. Seven years ago, the philanthropist's assistant called Miller to ask if they could go on a shopping spree before the store's regular hours, he explained. They have done so every year since then. "We are honored to partner with such an inspiring donor whose generosity continues to touch countless families across San Diego," Miller said. "By the end of this year, our total contributions will reach $750,000 over seven years, a powerful reminder that this act of kindness is what the holiday season is truly about, spreading joy and giving back to those who need it most."
