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News Release
Friday, December 3, 2004
Tel: 202-606-2402
OPM Director Kay Coles James Launches Fourth Annual Toy Drive for children of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Crew
Aims to exceed last year's goal of 1,000 toys
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James launched the fourth annual toy drive for the children of both OPM's workforce and the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
"I am very proud of OPM's employees and all they do in support of this great nation," said James. "But it is their extra special efforts that show what big hearts they have...and I know this year's toy drive for the children of OPM's employees and those of the brave men and women on the USS Theodore Roosevelt will be the most successful one yet."
OPM, which is housed in the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Office Building, "adopted" the USS Theodore Roosevelt shortly after September 11, 2001, when the ship and crew were deployed to the Middle East. Since her return, she has continually undergone sea testing, requiring the crew to spend long weeks from their families.
"I am extremely grateful for the continued support we get from our friends at OPM," said Captain Turk Green, Commanding Officer USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). "Our children's holiday party is a highly anticipated event each year, and much of that is due to the support from OPM. To see the truckload of toys collected from offices around the country is truly amazing. The OPM staff humbles us every year with their generosity and giving spirit. It really means a lot to the brave men and women who serve aboard America's Big Stick to see such an outpouring of support."
"When we made our commitment to the USS Theodore Roosevelt, it wasn't just for a few days, weeks or months," said James. "The OPM staff is in this for the long haul. Every day the crew members put on those uniforms they are prepared to go into harm's way and that's something we all must remember. Our collecting toys for the children of her crew is just a small token of how much we appreciate their sacrifice."
Since 2001, OPM has collected 2,400 toys.
If anyone is interested in contributing to the toy drive, please contact Gary Acker on 202-606-2444.
In addition to the toy drive, while deployed during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Feedom, OPM has sent care packages and valentines to the crew of the USS TR.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the leader in workforce management for the federal government. Our agency builds, strengthens, and serves a federal workforce of 2.2 million employees with programs like hiring assistance, healthcare and insurance, retirement benefits, and much more. We provide agencies with policies, guidance, and best practices for supporting federal workers, so they can best serve the American people.