KEY POINTS

  • Melania Trump joined the annual Marine Toys for Tots drive for the fourth year in a row Tuesday
  • The first lady donated books and soccer balls to the drive this year
  • Twitter users had mixed opinions about Trump's participation in the event

Melania Trump joined the Toys for Tots drive for the fourth consecutive year and reminded people of the importance of kindness amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, the first lady participated in the annual Marine Toys for Tots drive hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., PBS reported. Trump said that the event is one of her favorite traditions of the holiday season because it teaches kids to pass on goodwill.

Trump also delivered a speech during the live-streamed Toys for Tots drive, where she talked about kindness.

"Due to [the] coronavirus pandemic, many Americans are spending the holidays separated from their loved ones and they have changed routines they have had for many years," Trump was quoted by The Hill as saying.

"Remember that small acts of kindness such as calling your friends and neighbors and making holiday cards for nursing homes can go a long way in spreading cheer and helping those struggling with change. Let’s all do a part to be best during these difficult times," she said in a nod to her Be Best initiative.

Melania also thanked the service members for teaching children that the holiday season is not just about receiving presents but also about giving back to the community and to the less fortunate. The first lady added that she believes that kids will remember this lesson for the rest of their lives.

Each year, the charity collects new and unwrapped toys and delivers them to children in need. Trump is said to have donated books and soccer balls to the drive and participated in handing out toys to the kids this year.

Social media users had mixed opinions about Trump's involvement in the Toys for Tots drive. Many showed approval for the FLOTUS' efforts, while others said she was not doing enough.

"Like Melania cares about Toys for Tots... really??? Kids are going hungry in our country.. no response to that! Flotus complete fake.. why bother to do anything??" one commented.

Some slammed Trump for splurging on the White House tennis court pavilion renovation, which the first lady unveiled earlier this week. They pointed out that the money could have been used to provide food and gifts for more underprivileged children.

Many also thanked Melania for participating in the drive, with one praising her for being a "beautiful and amazing first lady."

"Thank you. Toys for tots is one of my favorite Christmas charities," another wrote.

"You’re such a classy lady!! Never since Jackie O has the White House seen such beauty and class. God bless you sweetheart and your family," a third Twitter user said.

Melania Trump
First Lady Melania Trump is pictured during a meeting with Polish President's wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda (Unseen) at the Belvedere Palace in Warsaw on July 6, 2017. - US President Donald Trump is on his first visit behind the former Iron Curtain. He is expected to focus largely on defence in talks with Baltic, Balkan and central European leaders. ANDRZEJ HULIMKA/AFP via Getty Images