Recognizing the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program for providing toys to White Earth children during the Christmas holiday season, the Mi-gi-mi-gi-way-win Advisory Board of the Tribal Council of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indians donated $5,000 to the group in December.
It was the 58th year in which the program, directed by the commander of the Marine Forces Reserve based in New Orleans, distributed gifts for children in 500 communities covering 50 states, including neighborhoods with White Earth children in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Board Secretary Shelly Libby thanked 1st Sgt. Theodus Williams, U.S. Marine Corps Minnesota Toys for Tots Coordinator, in a letter saying, "The (Toys for Tots) toys gave many smiles to children and their families that are less fortunate than others."
The largest Toys for Tots drop site in Minnesota was at KARE 11 television station headquarters in Minneapolis. The toys were redistributed from there in collection boxes positioned in local businesses. With the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups and other local community agencies, coordinators then distributed the toys to needy children throughout the state.
The Mi-gi-mi-gi-way-win Advisory Board consists of associates from the White Earth Reservation Tribal Council and Shooting Star Casino, Hotel and Event Center. The Board is committed to serving its communities in order to ensure the preservation and development of American Indian culture. Organizations seeking assistance may submit requests in writing to: White Earth Joint Donation Committee, P.O. Box 418, Mahnomen, MN 56557.
