Local Marine honored as Region 3 coordinator of the year for Toys for Tots

A Gulfport Marine who has been the local Toys for Tots coordinator was recognized for his work last weekend at a conference in St. Louis.

Gunnery Sgt. Gus Campbell was one of 16 coordinators recognized as national or regional winners for their work on the Toys for Tots campaign.

Campbell, currently assigned to NCBC Gulfport, was the Region 3 winner. He and his wife, Rhy’sha attended the three-day conference that included a recognition dinner for all the honorees.

The Toys for Tots program was founded in 1947 as a way to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. The program is run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Since then, Toys for Tots has expanded their efforts year-round to promote literacy.