Team Kirtland Top Three host Christmas in July Published June 27, 2013 By Adam Bailey Nucleus staff writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kids in the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital won't have to wait until Christmas to see a little holiday cheer. Team Kirtland's Top Three will be stopping by the hospital July 12 to deliver toys as part of the Christmas in July charity toy drive. "They get about 40,000 kids a year that just go in and out of the hospital," said Master Sgt. Vincent Beck, Team Kirtland Top Three member. "So we would like to deliver toys to the kids who are there and try to cheer them up." Members of Kirtland Top Three and volunteers will dress in service uniform and deliver toys from 1 to 3 p.m. "The Top Three spends a lot of time taking care of events on base and other functions. We felt it was important to reach out to the community and give. This was just a good opportunity for us to take and just give," said Master Sgt. Marco Escandón, Team Kirtland Top Three member. The Top Three aims to collect at least 200 toys. This will ensure every child receives a toy, and leftover toys can be used by the hospital for birthdays and other events. Also, if successful, the Top Three hopes to turn this into a biannual event. "It's really important to support the local community and especially these kids," said Master Sgt. Duncan Mason, Team Kirtland Top Three member. "A gift can bring a smile to a kid and makes things a little bit easier and that's our goal." To arrange a pick up for toy donations, contact Escandón at marco.escandon@kirtland.af.mil. Toys can also be dropped off at the Base Chapel. For more information or to volunteer, email Escandón, Beck at vincent.beck@kirtland.af.mil, or Mason at duncan.mason@kirtland.af.mil.