Editor’s note: The Journal presents a round-up of holiday events and opportunities to donate to local and regional community campaigns.
UPDATED: 12/4/24
THE GIFT OF GIVING
Toys for Tots
To donate, bring a newly purchased, unwrapped toy to one of the many drop-off locations at local businesses or organization offices by 5 p.m. Dec. 1.
For a complete list of locations and important dates, visit the Guam Chamber of Commerce website at https://business.guamchamber.com.gu/events/details/2024-toys-for-tots-business-collection-site-1197017 ; the MCB Camp Blaz Facebook page, @MCBcampblaz; or the MCB Camp Blaz Instagram page, @mcbcampblaz.
For a list of locations on Saipan contact the Saipan Chamber of Commerce at (670) 234-7150 or visit their Facebook page @SPNChamber. For more information about MCB Camp Blaz’s Toys for Tots Campaign please contact Capt. Ryan West at (671) 355-8080 or email ryan.west@usmc.mil.
GTA Round-Up Initiative
GTA Gives Holiday Campaign this year is focused on the Special Olympics Guam through the “Round-Up” initiative. From now until Dec. 31, customers can “round up” their purchases to the nearest dollar or contribute an additional donation. Every dollar raised will directly benefit Special Olympics Guam, supporting their mission to empower athletes and create brighter futures through sports.
For more information about the GTA Gives initiatives, visit www.gta.net/community.
HOLIDAY FUN
HSC-25's Annual Santa Flight
The Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 Island Knights will conduct its annual Santa Flight over various locations on Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands at 2 p.m. Dec. 6. The list of times and locations where residents can see Santa in the sky are as follows:
Guam:
- 2:00 p.m.: Take off from Andersen Air Force Base, Yigo;
- 2:10 p.m.: University of Guam, Mangilao;
- 2:15 p.m.: Pago Bay, Chalan Pago;
- 2:25 p.m.: Talo’fo’fo;
- 2:30 p.m.: U.S. Naval Base Guam, Santa Rita; and
- 2:45 p.m.: U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, Agana Heights Gift Drop
- 3:45 p.m.: Songsong and Sinapalo, Rota;
- 4:20 p.m.: San Jose, Tinian;
- 4:30 p.m.: Koblerville, Saipan;
- 4:40 p.m.: Saipan Hospital;
- 4:45 p.m.: Kagman, Saipan; and
- 5:40 p.m.: Drop Santa at Andersen Golf Course
Governor’s Christmas Parade
Skinner Plaza in Hagåtña will be the center of “The Colors of Christmas”. The annual parade kicks off 6 p.m. Dec. 12. There will be floats from Government of Guam agencies and the public is encouraged to participate by entering their own creative floats or hosting a booth. Those interested in participating in the parade or hosting a booth must register by Dec. 6 at tinyurl.com/colors-of-christmas-guam.
Micronesia Mall Train
The Micronesia Mall’s new trackless train boards at the Concourse 4 Train Depot. Tickets are $5 per ride, times may vary.
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa Gingerbread Express
One of the island’s oldest holiday events returns this year at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. The Gingerbread Express is at the main lobby. For over 17 years, the late Kevin James Mattern, Hilton’s assistant chief Engineer, brought the Christmas train to life, delighting guests of all ages. Mattern, who passed away on Christmas Day 2019, remains fondly remembered as the train’s heart and soul. This year proceeds from the Gingerbread Express will support Operation Christmas Drop.
To add your organization or business’ event or effort, email managingeditor@glimpsesofguam.com or reporter2@glimpsesofguam.com. mbj