AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's three blimps in the United States and the United States Marine Corps Reserve will conduct joint maneuvers to benefit the Toys for Tots Foundation at the company's airship bases in Ohio, Florida and California this weekend.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111205/CL16244 )
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO )

Goodyear and the United States Marine Corps Reserve will build on the success of the first joint Toys for Tots maneuver conducted in 2010, which saw 1,700 cars drive through the blimp hangar in Ohio to drop off 3,762 toys and collect $2,239.

"The Marine Corps Toys for Tots is very excited to be partnering with the Goodyear blimp again this year," said Marine SSgt Jeffrey Starr, a Toys for Tots coordinator.

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

"At this time of year it is difficult to think of a better cause than the Toys for Tots program," said Nancy Jandrokovic, Goodyear's director, global airship operations.  "This was hugely successful in Akron in 2010 and with the addition of our two other bases we know the Marines' Toys for Tots Foundation will benefit even more in 2011."

The three Goodyear blimp bases will be open to drive-through traffic only.  There is no charge and a donation is not required to drive through and enjoy the scene.  Dates and times specific to each location are available at the Goodyear blimps' website at www.goodyearblimp.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodyearBlimp, in the notes or events sections, or by calling the nearest blimp base at these locations: Suffield, Ohio (330) 796-8151; Pompano Beach, Florida (954) 946-8300; and Carson (Torrance), California (310) 327-6565.

Goodyear (NYSE: GT) is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It owns and operates three airships in the United States and frequently leases airships in other countries around the world.  It employs approximately 72,000 people and manufactures its products in 54 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company