Goodyear's Santa Claus Express is Coming to California

- World Famous Blimp and U.S. Marines Hold Annual Toys for Tots Event

- Event Includes Drawing for 25 Blimp Rides

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Nov 21, 2014, 01:03 ET

CARSON, Calif., Nov. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear blimp, nicknamed "Santa Claus Express" for the holidays, and the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve will conduct a joint maneuver benefitting the Toys for Tots Foundation.

The event will provide the public with an opportunity to make a donation to Toys for Tots at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's blimp base in Carson, Calif., on December 6 and 7. Toy drop-off hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days. Grounds tours will be offered.

"In the spirit of the holiday season, we are delighted to be working with the Marines to provide the venue for the community to support the Toys for Tots program," said Paul Fitzhenry, the company's senior vice president, global communications. "We have seen a tremendous response to this event in recent years and look forward to a great turnout this year."

Goodyear and the Marines will build on the success of previous open house and drive-through events at Goodyear's airship bases. Over the past three years, those efforts delivered more than 20,000 toys and $30,000 directly benefitting the Toys for Tots program.

This year, for the first time, Goodyear is offering 25 lucky entrants a chance to win a ride for two on the Spirit of America blimp. An official entry form into the Goodyear Toys for Tots Blimp Ride Sweepstakes can be obtained either by visiting a participating Just Tires store in California or by calling 800-344-9859. The form can be submitted at the event or via mail.

"The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve are grateful to Goodyear for making this event possible again," said retired Marine Major Bill Grein, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "With the generous support of this community, there will be thousands of new toys fulfilling the Christmas dreams of less fortunate children who might not otherwise be remembered," he added.

The air will be filled with music of the season and decorated in the holiday spirit. Food trucks will be on site.

There is no charge and a donation is not required to enjoy the holiday scene and see the blimp. The Goodyear blimp base is located at 19200 South Main Street in Carson, Calif.

All details are available online at www.goodyearblimp.com, on the Goodyear Blimp Facebook page and by calling 800-344-9859 or (310) 327-6565.

A similar event will be held at the company's blimp base in Suffield, Ohio.

Goodyear first nicknamed one of its blimps the "Santa Claus Express" in 1927 to spread holiday cheer across the skies of America. Goodyear has a long history of charitable giving as well as community involvement, raising millions of dollars for worthy causes including the United Way, Support Our Troops and hundreds of local and national charities through its airship program.

Founded in 1948, it is the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program to collect only new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December and to distribute these toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 68,000 people and manufactures its products in 50 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company