Goodyear Blimp ‘Santa Claus Express’ Returns to Town for Toys for Tots

Goodyear Blimps and the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve will conduct their seventh joint maneuver next month benefitting the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation at the company’s airship base in Ohio. The event will provide the public with an opportunity to donate to Toys for Tots while enjoying an up close and personal view of the ongoing construction of a third airship inside the hangar in Suffield, Ohio.

On December 8, 9 and 10, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Ohio visitors can drive through the Wingfoot Lake blimp hangar to drop off their donation to a U.S. Marine representing Toys for Tots. All events are free and open to the public. New toys in the original packaging or cash donations to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program are encouraged, but not required.

“We take great pride in our Goodyear Blimp crews teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to support Toys for Tots,” said Paul Fitzhenry, senior vice president of global communications for Goodyear. “Through this program, we open our doors to the community and encourage our blimp fans to share in the spirit of giving that defines and gives meaning to the holiday season.”

Goodyear and the Marines are building on the success of six previous events, which collectively delivered more than 80,000 toys and nearly $200,000 to benefit Toys for Tots.

“Toys for Tots distributes toys and books to millions of less fortunate children each year. We wouldn’t be able to reach so many children if not for the support of our corporate partners such as Goodyear,” said retired Marine colonel, Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Through generous cash donations, media exposure, and toys donated, Toys for Tots is able to make Christmas holiday dreams come true for millions of children in need who otherwise may have been forgotten.”

Goodyear first nicknamed one of its blimps the “Santa Claus Express” in 1927 to spread holiday cheer across the skies of America. The Goodyear Better Future, the company’s corporate social responsibility platform, and Goodyear Airship Operations support collaborative programs, such as the Toys for Tots Foundation and community organizations to create positive outcomes for the community.

The Goodyear airship base is located at 841 Wingfoot Lake Rd., Mogadore, Ohio 44260. All details are available online at www.goodyearblimp.com.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."