BBCC Veteran Resource Office to host toy distribution event Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Veteran Resource Office is looking to spread some holiday cheer among military veterans, active military and first responders and their families during its second annual toy distribution event this Saturday. The event is also sponsored by local business 360 Promotion, which is run by BBCC alumni Jim and Aslynn Leland and Tabatha DeLong.

The giveaway will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Simplot Room of the 1800 Building (ATEC) on the Big Bend campus.

The event is being held in connection with Operation Homefront’s annual Holiday Toy Drive­­— a nationwide Christmas toy collection and distribution campaign. Since 2008, the organization has served nearly 80,000 military families through its various holiday programs.

The Big Bend Veteran Resource Office partnered with Operation Homefront during last year’s toy distribution event and Back-to-School Brigade school supply distribution event.

Before graduating from Big Bend this spring, Jim Leland served as the school’s Veteran Resource Officer (VRO). In his role, he helped assist student veterans and their families navigate on-campus and off-campus resources.

He also helped organize several community outreach events, including the first holiday toy distribution event. Leland said he wanted to see the event continue and reached out to current BBCC Vet Corp Navigator Michael Garoutte for assistance.

Garoutte, who is also the BBCC Women’s Softball Head Coach, helped provide a location for the giveaway and some volunteers. Members of the softball team will be on hand Saturday to help distribute the toys.

“We appreciate the efforts the 360 Promotion team has put in to help military veterans, active military and first responders this holiday season,” said BBCC Communications Coordinator Tiffany Fondren. “We are happy to see the toy distribution event continue, and are proud of our former students for wanting to continue to give back to their community.”

“We are honored to be able to bring the Veteran Toy Giveaway back again this year through our business,” said Leland. “The 360 team is grateful for this opportunity to serve those who serve and to BBCC and VRO Michael Garoutte for giving the community a place to meet.”

Toys will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis and are intended for prior/active military service and first responders (LEOs, FD, dispatch/clerks, EMS) and their families. Be prepared to show ID or credentials establishing eligibility and bring a bag for picking up toys.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page HERE!