Parades to toys: Marine Corps League serves community

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

They may move at a slightly slower pace these days, but their enthusiasm for the Marine Corps has not diminished.

They are the honor guard at a fellow Marine's funeral, enthusiastic participants in a host of parades and the group behind Toys for Tots.

They are the Marine Corps League Northern Colorado Detachment 785.

Though Veteran's Day is important, first and foremost in November and December is making sure every family in Larimer County has gifts for Christmas.

Nov. 4 is the deadline for eligible families to sign up for Toys for Tots. What each child would like for Christmas goes on a tag that's hung on the giving tree at Foothills Mall. Gift givers can pick up one or many tags from Nov. 24 through Dec. 20. Service groups are invited to take a block of names.

Steve Turk of Wellington recalled a young boy, who stood nose high to a table, bringing his gift to the mall. "Sir, will you give this to some little boy who needs it," the youngster said.

Even tough Marines get tears in their eyes.

The detachment will post itself at the American Legion in LaPorte from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 4, to receive applications. To be eligible, family income can be up to $1,200 a month plus $100 for each child. Social Security numbers for parents and children, driver's license, photo ID, a utility bill and proof of income are required to register.

Families will pick up their toys at the American Legion on Dec. 23. Any extra gifts are donated to the Salvation Army or other charitable groups. Last year, the effort collected 11,000 toys for 464 families with 1,506 children.

Volunteers are needed to staff the service tables at the mall. Two to four people work together in two- to three-hour shifts to log out tags and log in gifts. "You meet people you haven't seen in 10 to 15 years," Turk said.

Toys are then sorted and boxed during the week before Christmas. Donated money is used for rent, supplies, insurance and extra toys. "It's very time consuming but very rewarding," said auxiliary member Nancy Dimick.

More information is available from Toys for Tots coordinator Ken Dimick at 221-3640.

Marines love to talk about their history. The Marine Corps formed Nov. 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Its sharpshooters positioned themselves in the riggings of naval ships.

To honor that heritage, Detachment 785 hosts a birthday ball at the Marriott Hotel in Fort Collins on Nov. 11. It's open to the public. Tickets are $40 each and may be purchased by calling Mac McCormick at 218-8534.

The Marine Corps League Detachment formed in 1991, and its auxiliary organized in 2004. Among their members is one who qualifies for both groups - Rudi Rinne of Fort Collins. She is a Marine, and she's married to a Marine.

Rinne recalls her dream of going to college, but her parents didn't believe in higher education for women. After arguing with her mother one day, she left the house. "I was walking down the street and saw a sign that said join the Marine Corps, and I did," she said.

She served from 1958 to 1960, and she did go to college. This year, Rinne will complete a Ph.D. in clinical hypnotherapy.

The auxiliary has a number of duties, including programs for veterans at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center and sending valentines to Marines in Iraq.

Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the U.S. Marine Corps. Members range from those who are now serving in the Marine Corps to those who have been honorably discharged from that service over many decades. Membership applications and other information are available on the detachment's web site at www.semperfi785.com.

The detachment and auxiliary meet the first Tuesday of the month at the American Legion Post #4 in LaPorte at 7 p.m. Associate members may also join. Information about membership is available by calling McCormick at 484-9143 or 218-8534.