Toy Give-Away!

I was excited for this shoot from the moment Bob the Camera Man asked me to assist. On two separate military bases on the island, The Boys and Girls Club and the Toy Industry Foundation joined together to give away hundreds of toys to deserving military families at their annual tree-lighting ceremony. Each night, the locations were buzzing with Christmas spirit. It was my first introduction to Christmas on the island and I was delighted to witness that despite the 80 degree weather and salty, ocean air, all the added pleasures of the Christmas season were as present as ever!

It was so simple to capture the candid happiness all around as Christmas carols played, hot chocolate was served with cookies, the Grinch tried endlessly to steal everyone's toys, and the bright lights of a giant evergreen tree twinkled over the whole event. The smiles of children of all ages, picking out their new toy with their parents, sharing and playing together, and celebrating the spirit of the season, was such a joy to capture. What a special and unique experience for us all!