DONNA – U.S. Marines descended upon Donna armed with toys. The mission was a real lifesaver for some parents.

For Jennifer Rivera, her budget was tight this year, but on Tuesday morning, a knock on the door brought in the spirit of Christmas.

The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots and Donna police showed up to her neighborhood to pass out toys for children of all ages.

“The more kids we can help the better. That's our goal. To help as many families and kids throughout the Rio Grande Valley as much as possible so everybody can have a Christmas and just enjoy it and bring smiles to everybody's faces,” said Gunnery Sgt. Ernest Mendez, assistant coordinator with Toys for Tots.

Mendez says about 30,000 toys were donated by Valley children.

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