First lady lends a hand to 'Toys for Tots' charity drive

First lady Melania TrumpMelania TrumpFirst lady lends a hand to 'Toys for Tots' charity drive The Hill's 12:30 Report — Presented by UANI — GOP, Democrats square off at final impeachment hearing The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by AdvaMed - A crucial week on impeachment MORE helped spread some holiday cheer on Monday, joining military families at a local base to promote the Marine Corps's "Toys for Tots" program.

For the third year, Trump headed to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., to help with the annual charity event which collects toys for children.

"The Marine Toys for Tots is one of my favorite events during the Christmas season," Trump said. "Thank you to all of the children who are here today to help."

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Dressed in knee-high red boots, Trump helped with the toy drive, greeting children of military service members and helping to make Christmas cards.

The first lady thanked the military families for their service.

"I know many of you have a family member serving, or know someone who has served in the military, all of whom are true heroes," she said. "To the service members joining us today, thank you for the sacrifices that you and your families make for our country."

The first lady came with gifts from her "Be Best" initiative, which encourages children to reach their full potential and aims to prevent bullying, handing them out to the children at the charity event.

"During this holiday season, and throughout the year, I encourage everyone to think about ways you can Be Best, and give back to your community," the first lady said. "The Toys for Tots program has proven that the idea to give back is timeless and can be done at all ages.  

Trump also spoke of her recent trip to London, where she joined President TrumpDonald John TrumpLawmakers release defense bill with parental leave-for-Space-Force deal House Democrats expected to unveil articles of impeachment Tuesday Houston police chief excoriates McConnell, Cornyn and Cruz on gun violence MORE, for a NATO summit. The first lady said she had helped fifth-grade students in the U.K. make holiday decorations and wrap presents that would be donated to children in need.

"Whether it's a Christmas gift to a child in London, donating school supplies to children in Africa, assembling comfort kits for troops deployed overseas, or showing kindness to a stranger, your actions can forever change the lives of someone in need," she said.

A few Marine dads could be seen trying to keep their kids from raiding the pile of donated toys. And as the first lady left, children shouted "Bye, Melania."

A Toys for Tots official said the campaign's goal is to collect 19 million toys and distribute them to more than 7 million children this holiday season.