For many of us, Christmas has become synonymous
with Toys for Tots. The program is designed to collect new, unwrapped
toys during October, November, and December and distribute the toys
each year to needy children in communities around the nation. Some of
the better-known Toys for Tots programs include Toys for Tots Columbus,
Ohio; Toys for Tots Atlanta; Maine Tots Toys; and Toys for Tots of NH.
Marines Corps Toys for Tots
The
U.S. Marine Corps is a shining example of courage, commitment, and patriotism.
But, in recent decades, this corps of fighting men and women has also
become known for their charitable efforts. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
is an organization dedicated to bringing the Christmas spirit into homes
that are suffering from the scourge of poverty. In more than 50 years
of service, the Marines have distributed more than 330 million toys to
more than 150 million needy children. The Marine Corps Toys for Tots program
is not simply a giveaway program. It's also an effort to bring joy into
the lives of little ones struggling to survive.
The foremost goal of the national and local Toys
for Tots programs is to send a message of hope to disadvantaged children.
The Marines who sponsor the program hope that, through their efforts,
children will be motivated to grow into responsible, productive citizens
who aspire to leadership positions within the community.
America 's Windy City is known for
many things-flamboyant politicians, an exciting night life, and wintry
weather, to name a few. But Chicago is also home to a successful Toys
for Tots program. In case you're not familiar with it, Toys for Tots
is a charitable program sponsored by Marine Reservists which spreads
joy and toys in communities throughout America . In the fall and winter,
you can drop off a new toy at a Toys for Tots location and contribute
to one of the most successful toy giveaway programs in the U.S. today.
The state of Minnesota has become a driving force
in the national Christmas Toys for Tots program, a campaign to deliver
presents and Christmas joy to needy children at the holidays. For decades,
the program has been serving disadvantaged children, teenagers, and
their families. Thanks to its sterling reputation, the program continues
to gain support.
The history of Toys for Tots began in December of
1947, when the wife of Marine Reserve Major Bill Hendricks made a Raggedy
Ann doll and requested that her husband deliver it to a group that would
give it to a needy little girl on Christmas Day. However, the major was
unable to find an agency that could do the job. As a result, the major
and members of his Los Angeles Marines Reserve unit decided to join forces
to collect and distribute 5,000 toys to the needy children of LA. From
this effort, Toys for Tots was born. The next year, the Marine Corps Reserve
adopted the program as its own and started collecting toys in nearly 200
communities across the nation.
More Information on Toys for Tots:
Marines Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots
Chicago Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots Michigan
Toys for Tots Minnesota