There he stood.  A little boy - just a few years younger than my own 12-year old son.

            It was one of the coldest days of the year that we’ve had thus far – and yet this little boy wore no coat.  His jeans were ripped and hung just above his ankles, and he had been standing with his mom for an hour – waiting for our train to arrive.  The Toys for Tots Train.

            This little boy was not alone.  He was surrounded by hundreds of other children and families just like him.  All of them waiting for Santa – dressed in Marine Dress Blues.

            And at each stop, Marines and volunteers walked into the crowd and delivered a new toy, a warm coat, and gloves to the gathered children.  While at the same time, a Marine Reserve Crew unloaded huge black bags filled with toys for local agencies and churches to distribute.

             But this little boy broke my heart.  I was just about to get back on the train when I saw him – his eyes rimmed with tears.  His hands, empty. 

             I heard him say, “Santa forgot me.”

            The bugle was playing, which was my cue to get back on board.  But I couldn’t leave him like that.  And luckily – I didn’t have to. 

             A Marine found me and immediately knew my dilemma.  He yelled on board and next thing I knew – there was an electric toy set just for this little boy.

            But that’s what these guys do.   In fact, for over 62 years, the U.S.Marine Corp Toys for Tots program has made it its mission to leave no singleneedy child empty-handed at Christmas.

            So what would you do if I told you I just got off the phone with SSgt. Gordon, our Toys for Tots coordinator here in Northern Virginia and he is right now scrambling – trying to make sure he doesn’t run out of toys before he runs outof children who need them?

            Because that is exactly the case.  This economy has hit our area hard, so while the need is greater – toy donations are down. 

            I cannot bear the thought of even one child uttering the words, “Santa forgot me.”  Not ever again.

            Please, please help.  Right now, a child needs your help desperately.

            Lululemon Athletica has put up a drop box in their Tyson’s Corner Location.  The donations dropped off here will go directly the Marine Unit in Quantico for immediate distribution in our very own neighborhoods.

            Please, as a yoga community, let us rally together to make sure every needy child living in Northern Virginia gets a toy this Christmas. 

             One new toy is all it will take to make the difference to a child who would have otherwise been forgotten.

            Because it’s not just a toy to a child, it’s a sign of love and a signal of hope. 

             If you are unable to make it to Tyson's Corner to drop off a new toy for a needy child, please feel free to bring to me on Friday night (Down Dog Yoga in Georgetown), this week or next, and I will make sure it makes it into the box.

            If we all chipped in just one toy, think of the difference we could make.

            Every child deserves a Christmas.