December 18, 2007

CIA Director Mike Hayden marked the Agency's seventh year of partnership with the Marine Corps 'Toys for Tots' program this morning by presenting 48 large boxes of donated toys for distribution to disadvantaged children in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Director Hayden chats with Marine Staff Sergeant Rodrigo Guzman about CIA's donation this year to the 'Toys for Tots' program.

According to Staff Sergeant Rodrigo Guzman, one of the Marines in charge of organizing the toy distribution, the CIA's donation constitutes the largest single contribution to the local 'Toys for Tots' program.

The CIA began its toy collection program, 'Operation Santa Claus,' in 1968. In 2000 the CIA began collaborating with the 'Toys for Tots' Foundation and the Agency's contribution has grown every year. According to Staff Sergeant Guzman, the CIA is the only local 'Toys for Tots' contributor that fills two 26-foot long cargo trucks with donated goods.

While presenting the toys to Staff Sergeant Rodrigo Guzman at a ceremony at CIA Headquarters, Director Hayden said, "People often ask me what kinds of people work at the CIA. I tell them, 'your friends and neighbors.' There is no better indication of that than what your friends and neighbors have done here in terms of collecting these 48 boxes of toys."

Director Hayden also presented to the Marines a teddy bear donated by the CIA's Employee Activity Association and said, "I'm sure you'll find a good home for him and for all the other toys."

"CIA is honored to contribute to the 'Toys for Tots' program and work with the Marines, who really make it happen," said CIA spokesperson Michele Neff. "Toys for Tots allows us to help spread cheer among children in need in our community, and it does so at a time of year that is defined by their happiness."