Melania Trump joins kids at US Marine Corps Reserve Toy Drive in a multicolored plaid shirt

9 December 12, 2018 | by Junie Sihlangu

The annual Toys for Tots event held by the US Marine Corps Reserve in Washington were joined by first lady Melania Trump. The first lady helped to sort toys which would be distributed to needy children for Christmas.

For the occasion, Trump was practically dressed in a plaid shirt with different shades of blue, white, and red.

On Tuesday, first lady Melania Trump took to Twitter with images of her visit to the Toys for Tots annual drive. She captioned the post:

“Enjoyed spending time with children & the @USMC at their annual @ToysForTots_USA drive. Thank you to everyone who came out to help in this wonderful opportunity to give back! #MerryChristmas”

For more on this story go to our Twitter account @amomama_usa. The US Marine Corps Reserve hosts the event every year where they collect new toys and distribute them to needy children on Christmas Day.

Speaking about the event, Trump said:

"I have been looking forward to this event ever since last year's ended. As a mother, I feel children are the most precious gift of all. They provide so much joy in life."

The first lady shared that her "mission" was to "shine a light" on programs that provide children with opportunities to succeed. She added, "I believe in the good work that Toys for Tots is doing.”

Trump was joined at the event by dozens of children from military families at the military base to sort through the toys. The drive managed to collect dolls, cars, games, stuffed animals, and other gifts.

After the sorting was done, everyone sat down to make Christmas cards. The White House revealed that they were donating 100 books to the Toys for Tots literacy program.

Trump also gave the children coloring books and White House candies. Retired Lt. Gen. Henry Osman who is the president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation shared that there was a greater demand for toys this year.

He said the devastating California wildfires and hurricanes in Florida and the Carolinas had made the need for toys important. Osman called Trump "our No. 1 volunteer" and “a champ.”

The first lady has been sharing in the festivities as Christmas approaches. She recently shared a video of the decorations in the White House but she’s also shared a recipe for Christmas cookies.

The recipe for the sugar cookies can be found here.