A vintage ad with a guard and a young child went viral (see video below). In the 1997 video, a youngster approaches a Marine guard and inquires whether he is Santa Claus.

The youngster glances up at the guard, who ignores him and avoids establishing eye contact with him. The youngster then takes out his wish list for Christmas, hoping the guard will bring him presents. Unexpectedly, the guard extends his left hand and grabs the boy’s list.

The heartwarming advertisement has been used to promote the Toys For Tots initiative of the Marine Corps Reserve. According to NX2, the initiative was established in 1947 and collects “new, unwrapped toys during the months of October, November, and December each year” to give to children in need.

Sending “a message of hope to underprivileged youth that will help them become responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens” is the aim. One of the few holiday advertisements I genuinely enjoy, one viewer said.

Another person said, “I’ve watched this video countless times, and even though it’s only 30 seconds long, it always brings tears to my eyes.”