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Dec. 6 (UPI) -- First lady Jill Biden joined the Marine Corps at the White House on Wednesday to host a Toys For Tots event, part of her Joining Forces Initiative to honor military families and their children, who enjoyed ice skating at the White House Ice Rink before the event. Joining Forces is an effort to support military families, from members to veterans, caregivers and survivors.
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"For decades, Toys for Tots has brought magic, wonder, and joy to children in need, and this year is no different. The president and I are grateful, and we're honored to open the White House to all of you," Biden said, as she greeted the crowd.
"I know we usually hold this event at a military base, but this year, I wanted to host you here, because our holiday theme celebrates children and the way all of you experience the season."
Among the issues Joining Forces addresses are high unemployment rates among military spouses, support for the more than 2 million children of active-duty service members as they cope with education challenges and help for military families with health and well-being.
The first lady told the children that "military kids have something important to teach us grown-ups."
"You teach us how to be brave, even when we're scared. You teach us how to make friends, even when we don't know anyone. You teach us how to reach out a hand when other people need help," Biden said.
"And we need that courage, kindness and compassion now more than ever. So thank you. You may not wear a uniform, but we know military children serve our country, too," the first lady added, before inviting the children to "sort some toys!"
Toys For Tots is a Marine Corps Reserve program launched in 1947 that has delivered 652 million toys to 291 million children over the years.
Earlier Wednesday, the first lady delivered remarks at Do Your Part: End The Military Spouse Unemployment Crisis. It was an event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted by Hiring Our Heroes and Blue Star Families.
