Heber Alonzo Meraz

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant and former Toys for Tots coordinator  Heber A. Meraz  reveals more about the Christmastime charitable toy distribution program. A program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots distributes toys to children whose parents are unable to afford to buy them gifts at Christmas. A retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant,  Heber Alonzo Meraz reflects on his work with the organization for which he served as project coordinator for three years between 2010 and 2012. "The mission of the program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, before distributing those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community," reveals former Toys for Tots program coordinator Meraz. "The Toys for Tots program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks," explains Meraz, who was coordinator for the project in 2010, 2011, and 2012, "and, to this day, aims to deliver,...

Set to take place on Saturday, October 12, this year's Hartford Marathon is already hotly anticipated by runners, families, charities, and volunteers in the capital of Connecticut and surrounding areas. Held in and around Bushnell Park and consisting of a marathon, half marathon, and 5K race, the event is set to kick off at 7:55 am, while the finish line expo and post-race festivities will continue until 2 pm, according to  Heber Alonzo Meraz . "Bushnell Park is an oasis in the heart of the city of Hartford," reveals Meraz, a keen marathon runner, project coordinator, and retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant from Trumbull, Connecticut, "where both adults and children from all walks of life head out to play." A thriving, beautiful, and inviting place to play, exercise, and relax, says Meraz, the park is the ideal location around which to base the Hartford Marathon. The biggest race day in Connecticut, the marathon welcomes participants of all ages and abiliti...