Lance Corporal Aaron Leeks, 20, of Frederick, Md., asked Mrs. Obama to accompany him to next year’s Ball. She replied, “I’d love to,” and asked one of her staffers to write down Leeks’ information.
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Leeks chatted with the First Lady when she visited the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling military site. She brought along a huge red bag filled with toys for the Marine Corps foundation that began in 1947. The White House staff donated more than 800 gifts that will be distributed to Washington, DC area children.
Mrs. Obama is encouraging charitable giving and volunteerism during this time of the year. “It’s not too late to donate,” she said. “It’s still important to nudge our neighbors to give, give, give.”
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On Monday, she visited Washington’s Children’s National Medical Center. Accompanied by Santa and Bo, the Obama family dog, Mrs. Obama read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and then answered questions about how the First Family celebrates the holidays. She told the children and their families that President Barack Obama’s favorite Christmas dish is “pie, lots of pie.” She said that her favorite holiday movie is “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Another Obama tradition is the family’s annual trip to Hawaii. Mrs. Obama and her daughters will fly to the President’s home state on Friday, but it is unclear when he will be able to join them.
