US Marines distribute gifts to more than 600 Messmer Catholic School families

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- U.S. Marines continued a holiday tradition Wednesday, Dec. 16, made all the more important because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of the Marine Corps were at the Milwaukee Messmer High School to help give away gifts for the Toys for Tots program.

School staff and volunteers were also on hand to help organize and sort the hundreds of gifts that were given out to Messmer school families -- all in all, an effort to help others and bring a sense of normalcy.

"Trying to bring some sense of joy and relief to parents and see some smiles on children's faces. We're all for that!" said Messmer Catholic Schools President Jim Piatt.

"I hope that they just get that smile and that sense of happiness and gratitude to know that this is the season for giving and it's all about the small values in life," said SSgt Jocelyn Penagos, U.S. Marine Corps. "I mean, honestly, that's all I hope about."

To learn more about the Toys for Tots program here in Milwaukee, click here.