Its that time of the year again, the time where this old Ex-Army guy becomes a Honorary Marine. No official proclamation, just my personal feelings.

Today Pat and I took a ride to the Marine Corp Depot where we meet with SSgt. Kap. He is the coordinator for Northeast Florida. I went to pick up some posters and donation drop boxes. We had a nice talk, and back in the gym where the toys are sorted and stored, I was shocked.

This timed last year the gym was packed with toys, bikes and all kinds of goodies. This year, although early, they barely had anything. He said the donations were running way behind.

One other thing I noticed, was the steady stream of families coming to fill out the necessary paperwork to qualify for toys. He said there were more this year than last. No big surprise I guess, the economy is really hurting everyone.

Our club President, Patrick and I are both buying bikes, and Patrick has gone one step further. He has challenged our club members to bring a bike. As a added incentive, he bought out of his own pocket a $50 gift certificate for our local hobby shop, and will give everyone that brings a bike a ticket and a chance to win it.

So if you can, look for the Toys For Tots drop boxes, and if you can, put something in.