KITTERY, Maine – The Caravan of Toys will roll out from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Saturday, Dec. 6 for the 64th consecutive year to benefit children in need throughout the area.

The Caravan of Toys is sponsored by the Naval Civilian Managers Association. Funds to purchase the toys were donated by shipyard employees, military personnel, tenant activities, local contractors and organizations including the Federal Employees Metal Trade Council, American Federation of Government Employees, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, International Association of Fire Fighters, Naval Civilian Managers Association, Federal Managers Association, and the National Association of Superintendents.

As in years past, the shipyard community was incredibly generous in support of the effort. With the funds collected, the Caravan of Toys Committee was able to purchase approximately 2,750 toys, valued at more than $15,000. The toys will be delivered to 32 agencies in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, who in turn will distribute them to the children in need within their communities.

This tradition is able to continue through the efforts of the many shipyard volunteers who, on their own time, collect donations, purchase toys, then deliver them to the various agencies.

Santa and the shipyard commander Capt. William Greene will be on hand as the Caravan of Toys departs from Gate 2 at 9 a.m.