MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Troop welfare isn't limited to the troops -- especially during Christmas. Just ask Marines.

Marine reserves are fanning out across the nation setting up collection barrels for the annual Toys-for-Tots campaign, a drive that collects toys for deserving children. Many of those toys are finding a temporary home right on Camp Pendleton before they are distributed to local charitable organizations.

More than 36 volunteers help sort and categorize a warehouse at the 25 Area full of toys from Toys for Tots. The volunteers carry out the tedious work of organizing and preparing the toys for distribution. They're Santa's helpers, of sorts... both in and out of uniform.

Cpl. Karl B. St. Romain Jr., supply clerk for Marine Aircraft Group 46, helps out in his warehouse, which is being shared by thousands of toys, whenever he gets the chance. For him, it's a chance to give back to the toy drive that helped make his holidays complete as a child.

"I used to be one of the kids getting toys from Toys for Tots," said St. Romain. "It's a privilege now that I'm helping out."

Many of these volunteers help out to give back to the community but some give a helping hand because they know what it is like to have a Christmas without presents.

But not all volunteers at the warehouse are Marines.

"I volunteer to help the organization, because the organization helps the kids," said Kelly P. Prudiman, the wife of a staff sergeant.

Prudiman also works with the enlisted wives club, key volunteer organizer, and the Disabled American Veterans.

"I enjoy volunteering," Prudiman said.

Prudiman deals with the paper work to ensure the orders for toys are satisfied. The warehouse fills orders made by organizations that distribute to children.

Deborah L. Anderson, 49, has been in charge of the collection and organization of toys from all over the county for six years. The warehouse receives toys from more than 100 collection sites, according to the Oceanside resident.

The warehouse currently has received 8,000 toys, but before the holidays, Anderson expects to collect and distribute approximately 30,000 toys.

Toys for Tots will collect toys at toy stores and many department stores until Dec. 21.

"We appreciate everyone with the heart to donate," Anderson said. "We run greatly in need for toys for children ages 10 and up for both sexes."

For more information about Toys for Tots or where to donate please call Deborah Anderson at (760) 725-8251.