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NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

October 24, 2024

Contact:

Tiana Capri, VP of Communications – Carrillo PTO, Inc.

e: carrilloptocomms@gmail.com

Amanda Keeton, Principal – Carrillo Elementary School

e: amanda.keeton@smusd.org

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​Carrillo Elementary Holds Annual Marine Corps Donation Drive

Local San Marcos Students Help Heroes at Camp Pendleton

 

Carlsbad, CA – On Friday, November 15, 2024, Marines from the Amphibious Assault School assigned to Camp Pendleton will be at Carrillo Elementary School (2875 Poinsettia Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92009) for the school’s annual Marine Corps Donation Drive.  Carrillo Elementary students and Girl Scout Troops 1267 and 1825 are currently working to collect donations of household goods which will be given to local Marines and their families.

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The annual donation drive began over two decades ago to demonstrate appreciation for local service members and their families. Principal Amanda Keeton said, “What began as a simple gesture has grown into a cherished tradition of generosity and gratitude…In the month leading up to this celebration, our school community, along with the support of our local Girl Scout troops, comes together to gather donations.”

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A sense of patriotism and pride is instilled in Carrillo Elementary’s students as the day-long event begins with an appreciation breakfast for the enlisted servicemen and women. It continues with a color guard presentation and an all-school music performance. Keeton added, “On the day of our flag salute, we present our donations and celebrate their service through a school-wide musical tribute featuring patriotic songs. The highlight is a powerful ‘Salute to the Troops,’ where we recognize each branch of the military and pay tribute to members of our Carrillo community who have served our great nation.”

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Parents and community members attend this very moving and heartfelt presentation. A static display of military vehicles and other activities involving the students and Marines follows the morning production.

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At the conclusion of the event, the Marines load all the donations onto their transport vehicles and return to Camp Pendleton. Donations are distributed to families recently assigned to Camp Pendleton to assist their transition into new housing or to families in need of household items.

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Last year’s event brought five pallets of household goods to the Marine base. Over 2500 items were collected over the course of two weeks. Donations can be made by purchasing items on Carrillo Elementary Amazon wish list at https://tinyurl.com/carrillomarines or by dropping items off in the front office during school hours.

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Carrillo Elementary School in Carlsbad, CA, is part of the San Marcos Unified School District with 750 students enrolled in preschool through fifth grade.  The school is supported by Carrillo PTO, Inc. (carrillopto.org) which is a volunteer operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides additional resources to the school and helps to organize community events throughout the year.  Currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, Carrillo Elementary has organized donation drives to benefit local marines stationed at Camp Pendleton since the early 2000s.

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