A Hunt client agreed to donate space to this year's Marine-sponsored Toys for Tots program. It all began when Hunt broker Andy Dorman's phone rang, and a Sergeant Martinez was on the line. He was calling about warehouse space for the Marines' Toys for Tots program. The Marine sergeant had noticed that Hunt Corporate Services represents multiple warehouse owners, and was a logical source of potential space. "Most property owners aren't interested," said Sergeant Martinez, "because we're only asking for a short term lease to store toys through the Christmas season."  But Dorman, an Army veteran, had a client who happens to be a Navy veteran and happens to own a large warehouse in Farmingdale with some available space. Dorman called owner Rob Ballas. "Of course we have space for the Marines," was Mr. Ballas' immediate response.  "They have done so much for this country."

 

Toys for Tots was begun 68 years ago by a Marine reserve officer and has since become one of the world's most visible charities.  Each year millions of dollars worth of toys collected by Marines are distributed to needy children all over the world. In 2013 alone, for example, Toys for Tots gave over 16.8 million toys to seven million less fortunate children. It continues to be a top-rated charity, which means over 97 percent of donations actually go to the needy, while only three percent is spent on fundraising and overhead. First Lady Michelle Obama recently has been one of the charity's most visible supporters.  Over the years, Toys for Tots spokespersons included John Wayne, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood, and Brooke Shields.

 

The Marines' Toys for Tots budget includes lease payments, but Rob Ballas, a principal of cable TV equipment company Scott Cable Communications, Inc. based in Farmingdale, was having none of it.  "We're not charging rent to the Marines," said Mr. Ballas. "They remain our first line of defense in this country, and they have my deepest respect."  Sergeant Martinez, a two-tour veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, was more than gracious: "We love that a couple of veterans got involved in providing space for this year's program."