Annual Toys for Tots event honors Marine

UPLAND, Pa. (WPVI) -- Hundreds of toys were unloaded from a trailer Sunday at the Delco Cruisers' Holiday Cruise for Kids, ready for delivery to kids in need in memory of the Marine who was always there helping.

"He got so excited just like a little kid waiting to go down to the Christmas tree and open presents," said brother Kenney Jones. "He was anticipating this time of year to be able to support the kids and help them get gifts that otherwise they wouldn't be able to get."

Thirty-two-year-old Cpl. Scott Jones of Aston was killed in a car crash Nov. 29. He was a paramedic, a volunteer firefighter and a reservist in the Marines, and acted as the Toys for Tots representative each year at this very event.

"In honor of Scott, we collected toys at his viewing and funeral, which was Friday and Saturday, and we practically filled this trailer," said brother-in-law Joe Carr.

After a short ceremony to honor Jones, the classic cars and motorcycles hit the road visiting three hospitals before dropping off toys at the Marine Corps base in Folsom.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visited four patients at Crozer Chester Medical Center, but he's also leaving a sack full of toys for any patients who are still hospitalized on Christmas Eve.

Santa's first stop was to 7-month-old Maya's room.

"She loved him. She didn't cry. She really liked him! She was kinda confused, like, 'Who is this guy?'" said Jessica Bonner of Brookhaven, Pa.

Each delivery was made with a little extra Christmas spirit in memory of Jones.

"Since he was an EMS/EMT, you know, going into the hospitals was sort of natural for him. It made him easy, and he could relate to the patients a little bit easier than maybe the normal person could," said Delco Cruisers President Tom Manning.