Oasis Texas’ Toys for Tots & Holiday on Ice | Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The spirit of giving back and the sounds of children on ice skates were buzzing at the Oasis Texas seasonal outdoor ice rink Tuesday evening. 

I was honored to be invited as a special guest to help with the Toys for Tots toy drive in addition to showing of a few of my skills as a figure skater on the outdoor ice rink. Not only did I get to check “Skate on an outdoor ice rink” off my bucket list, but I also checked off “Meet a U.S. Marine.” 

To me, Christmas has never been about what I get, but what I can give. Nothing warms my heart more than knowing I’m helping a child somewhere out there have a good Christmas with some awesome toys! 

The night before the event, I went to the store with my friends to pick out some toys to donate to the event. We chose a baby blue stuffed elephant with a fleece blanket, Transformer action figures, swords and more! 

Unfortunately rain, spoiled the ice rink with excess water, but I was still able to do a little skating and do what I came there to do: Donate toys to children. I had tons of fun showing off some of my skills and helping some of the other children learn how to skate! I love seeing the sparkle in a child’s eye when he can finally glide forward on his own! 

Christmas is about the hope of better days, not designer love and empty material things.