New London County Toys for Tots Campaign Kicks Off at Mike's Famous Harley-Davidson

Marine Corps League Thames River Detachment #1334 hosts the Toys 4 Tots Campaign kick-off party at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson, 951 Bank Street, New London, CT 

New London, CT – On November 1, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., the Thames River Detachment Marine Corps League  #1334 will host their annual Toys for Tots Campaign kick-off party at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson, located at 951 Bank Street in New London, CT. For the third year Mike’s Famous® is the region’s intake, staging and distribution center for the holiday toy drive. Toys are collected and distributed to local non-profit organizations throughout New London County during the months of November and early December. 

In 2015, 1,986 children, 49 non-profit organizations and 12 veterans’ families benefited from these efforts. 11,916 toys were distributed and $24,310 was raised. The Thames River Detachment Marine Corps League #1334 was assisted by Three River Young Marines Navy personnel from the U.S. Sub Base in Groton, CT, and cadets from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.

This year, Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson, Crystal Mall, Cross Road Rent-A-Space, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Macys in Waterford and A.C. Moore in New London are all involved in sponsoring the efforts.

Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson was the 2015 recipient of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s Military Community Support Award, given annually to Chamber member businesses that have gone above and beyond to show support of the region’s men and women in uniform. Mike’s Famous was selected because of its outstanding commitment to supporting active military members as well as veterans. The dealership’s programs include Operation Personal Freedom® which offers a free Harley-Davidson Riding Academy® Beginner’s Rider Course for all active and retired military personnel. Mike’s Famous works regularly with the Wounded Warrior Project® and Adaptive Sports Foundation to improve the lives of service men and women who are living with post-traumatic stress disorder and physical handicaps. They have also raised and donated thousands of dollars for military veterans and veterans’ assistance programs, and the dealership organizes many additional events and programs to thank active personnel and veterans for their service.

About the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program:
The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. 

About Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson:
Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson is located at 951 Bank Street in New London, CT.   The dealership opened in March of 2014 in 55,000 square feet within the former Coca-Cola® bottling plant.