AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear
blimps and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will conduct their sixth
joint maneuver next month benefitting the Toys for Tots Foundation
at the company's three U.S. blimp bases in Ohio, California and Florida. These events will provide the public
with an opportunity to make a donation to Toys for Tots while
enjoying an up-close and personal view of the airships.
On December 2, 3 and 4, from noon
– 9 p.m., Ohio visitors can drive through The Goodyear
Tire & Rubber Company's Wingfoot Lake blimp hangar and get a
behind the scenes look at the recently christened Wingfoot
Two airship. In Pompano Beach,
Fla., Wingfoot One will be on display December 3-4 from noon – 6
p.m., and in Carson,
Calif., the facility will be open for ground tours of
Goodyear's last remaining GZ-20A model blimp Spirit of
Innovation December 10-11 from
noon – 6 p.m. All three events are
free and open to the public. Donations of brand new toys in the
original packaging or cash are encouraged to support the U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation, but not
required.
"We take great pride in our Goodyear blimp crews teaming up with
the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to support the Toys for Tots
Foundation," said Paul Fitzhenry,
senior vice president, Global Communications. "Through this
program, we open our doors to the community and encourage our blimp
fans to share in the spirit of giving that defines and gives
meaning to the holiday season."
Goodyear and the Marines are building on the success of five
previous events, which collectively delivered more than 57,000 toys
and $75,000 to benefit Toys for
Tots.
"The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and the U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve are grateful to Goodyear for returning as a national
sponsor again this year," said retired Marine Colonel, Ted
Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots
Foundation. "We know how successful their drive-through program has
been in recent years, and we're very excited about working together
again this year. It should generate many additional toys to help us
fulfill the Christmas dreams of less fortunate children who might
otherwise be forgotten."
Goodyear first nicknamed one of its blimps the "Santa Claus
Express" in 1927 to spread holiday cheer across the skies of
America. The company has a long history of community involvement
and associate volunteerism within its corporate social
responsibility platform, Goodyear Better Future. The
Goodyear Better Future platform and Goodyear Airship
Operations support collaborative programs, such as the Toys for
Tots Foundation and community organizations to create positive
outcomes for the community.
Founded in 1948, it is the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation to collect new, unwrapped toys
during October, November and December and distribute these toys as
Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the
campaign is conducted.
The Goodyear airship bases are located at 841 Wingfoot Lake Rd.,
Mogadore, Ohio 44260; 1500 NE
5th Ave., Pompano Beach,
Fla. 33060; and 19200 South Main St., Gardena, Calif. 90248. All details are
available online at www.goodyearblimp.com, by visiting the Goodyear
Blimp Facebook page or by calling (800) 344-9859.
About Goodyear
Since 1917, Goodyear (NASDAQ: GT) has built more than 300
lighter-than-air vehicles for public relations and defense
applications, many built at the Mogadore facility.
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. Goodyear
employs approximately 66,000 people and manufactures its products
in 49 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two
Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio
and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive
to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the
technology and performance standard for the industry. For more
information about Goodyear and its products, go to
www.goodyear.com/corporate.
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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company