Base fitness center hosts Aerobic-a-thon for Toys for Tots Published Dec. 11, 2007 By Ms. Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Everyone is used to running or walking for a cause, but aerobics for charity? Don't knock it. Several hundred people here sweated to thumping music Dec. 7 as part of Peterson's annual Aerobic-a-thon. Classes ran throughout the day, starting at the top of every hour from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with participants bringing toys for the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots holiday drive. "We do it every year because it's for a good cause," said Roger Hill, the fitness center's special programs organizer. "And active-duty can actually use this for their PT session. They can get fit to fight while we get toys for kids." Roughly 300 people participated in the event, which drew classes ranging in size from just a couple of people in the early morning hours to dozens of participants by lunch time. The aerobics classes often draw a lot of people who normally wouldn't participate if the drive were focused on running or walking, Mr. Hill said. "For some people, running can be boring," he said. "A lot of people really love aerobics here, and we try to cater to everyone's wants and needs." The Aerobic-a-thon will also serve the needs of several hundred children in El Paso County and southern Colorado. Toys for Tots will distribute the hundreds of toys the drive collected to families through elementary school social workers, the Salvation Army, community toy giveaways and social services. Sue Marcotte, a local coordinator for Toys for Tots, said the drive relies on large donations from Peterson every year, and this year is no exception. "The Air Force, between Pete Field and the Academy, has been one of my major contributors in the area for several years," she said. "When they get together and run drives for us, it's a big benefit." Toys for Tots collected roughly 18,000 items last year, which was just enough to meet demand, Mrs. Marcotte said. With rumors that donations to other charities are lagging right now, Mrs. Marcotte said events like Peterson's aerobic-a-thon will be a big help if she wants to collect the same number of toys - or more - this year. "I've heard that donations are down for a lot of people this year, so I have no idea how many toys I'll get," she said. "I just hope I can get the toys to the kids that really need them."