ALBANY>>  On Friday, December 19, 2014 members from the

Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® helped make sure that Toys for Tots kids have a

merry Christmas. This year, the Capital Region Toys For Tots program had the greatest need for

infant and toddler gifts. Members of the Community Relations Committee headed out to Babies

R Us in Latham for a $1,000 shopping excursion, stuffing shopping carts full of toys and baby

items. GCAR Members contribute to the association’s Community Outreach Fund each year.

Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® CEO

Laura Burns noted that among the many charitable

activities GCAR participates in each year, making

sure a child has a gift on Christmas is near and dear

to the REALTOR members’ hearts. With two

children of his own, GCAR President, Al Picchi,

echoed the thought that every child should feel joy

on Christmas.

“We’re thrilled to support the Marine Toys for Tots

Foundation with this donation, which will bring

some extra holiday cheer to children in need this

holiday season,” said Picchi. “One of our core

values at GCAR is to enrich the lives of families,

and we hope that this donation will make a

Members of the Community Outreach difference.”

Committee with Capital Region Toys For Tots

Representatives.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine

Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the

annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 67th year, Toys for Tots provides joy

and a message of hope to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy during

the Christmas holiday season. Their gifts offer these children recognition and a positive memory they

will cherish for a lifetime. In 2013, Marines distributed gifts to 6.8 million children in 762

communities nationwide. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from

the American public as well as support from corporate sponsors.

The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade association officially representing the real estate

industry since 1920 (formerly the Albany County Association of REALTORS®) and is the local chapter for the New York

State and National Associations of REALTORS®. GCAR is composed of a broad base of professionals including licensed

real estate brokers and sales agents, multi-dwelling owners, appraisers, mortgage and banking professionals, title and

abstract companies and other companies servicing the real estate industry.