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20 | THE COLONY NEWS | FEBRUARY 2023 | FREE ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASS BY ORNELLA ATWELL: The class is every Wednesday from 11 am to 12 noon in the Card Room. Anyone interested may join us. The class is on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The class is open and has no prerequisites. The following are a few of the multiple benefits of learning a new language: • Improves memory and slows down cognitive decline. • Increases understanding of the language you already speak. • Stimulates the brain's cognitive functions. • Allows you to connect and meet new people. • Gain perspective and access to information. • And most of all, HAVE FUN! If you have any questions, please call or text me at 951-236- 3922. Grazie! Interest Group By Rita Nastri The Elf had to wait until February to get a total count of the beautiful toys from our Toys for Tots barrels. The deliveries were easier this year since the Elf has a friend, Ron Brown, who has a large SUV and was kind enough to help with the count and storage until the trip to Pendleton could be made. On each trip, his SUV was packed to the roof. The Elf is overjoyed to again see the generosity of our Colony neighbors, who filled the Toys for Tots barrels multiple times with beautiful gifts. We totaled 481 toys. With each delivery, we were greeted by the YMCA staff who facilitated the process for the families. There were multiple stationary box cars filled with toys, and a tent for the families to shop. It was so organized and a delight to the eyes. Toys for Tots is a Marine Reserve function, and at one of the events which the Elf attended, she met a young Marine Reservist who shared his story. He was so excited to see the number of toys and the generosity of the community. He said he was raised by a single mom and they had very little money. He and his brother were recipients of toys from the local Marine Reserve unit, and these were the only toys he would get at Christmas. He added it made him feel special that someone had cared enough to make his Christmas happy. Of course, I had to wipe my eyes on my sleeve, because which elf do you know who carries tissues. I had to share this with you since The Colony has a special place in the hearts of our Marines at Camp Pendleton. I want to give a special thank you to The Colony Bridge Club, the Ladies Racket Club, and the neighbors of Corte Calanova, all who invited the Elf to their Christmas parties. They helped to fill the barrel multiple times with wonderful toys. Marine Corps League and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve want to thank you for your gifts of unwrapped toys for children of all ages. As in the past, this effort has not only provided some joy to our local children during the holidays, but also sends a message of hope, which can motivate children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Knowing that there are so many good causes out there, I want to thank you for considering the Toys for Tots program in your holiday giving this year. Please remember, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is an IRS-RECOGNIZED 501 (c) (3) not-for- profit public charity. See you next November, and thanks again! TOYS FOR TOTS