SUFFIELD, Ohio, November 29, 2010 - The Goodyear blimp and the United States Marine Corps Reserve will conduct a joint maneuver to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation at the blimp base in Suffield, Ohio on Dec. 3 & 4.

The Toys For Tots program was founded in 1948. Reaching back even further, Goodyear is reviving one of its own discontinued traditions called the Santa Claus Express, which saw Goodyear put that name on the side of one of its blimps at Christmas time, 1927-1928.

On Fri., Dec. 3 from 1-9pm and Sat., Dec. 4 from 10am-6pm the Goodyear blimp hangar will be open to drive through traffic only. The inside of the hangar and the blimp will be decorated in the Christmas spirit and Santa Claus will be on hand to wave and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. In addition, the blimp's ground crew will have a few small items of appreciation for those driving through.

The public will not be permitted to park their vehicle or walk through the hangar. A Marine in dress blues will be on hand to collect and organize the toys in their usual manner for such events. There is no charge and a toy contribution is not required to drive through and enjoy the scene.

"The Marine Corps Toys For Tots is very excited to be partnering with the Goodyear blimp this year." Said Marine SSgt Jeffrey Starr, the Toys For Tots coordinator for Summit, Medina, Wayne, Holmes and Tuscarawas counties. "Together we aim to reach new levels of Spreading Christmas cheer."

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

The Goodyear blimp hangar is located at 841 Wingfoot Lake Rd., Mogadore, OH 44260. For additional information, the public can visit the Goodyear blimp on Facebook, and the Marines' Toys for Tots website at www.toysfortots.org. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 70,000 people and manufactures its products in 56 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.