A nationwide project to collect toys and distribute them at Christmas to children of need. It began within the Marine Corps Reserve and is now assisted by the Marine Corps League. It has been placed within its own corporation, the Toys for Tots Foundation.
Toys for Tots
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Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which donates toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major William L. Hendricks.[1]
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a 501 charity located in Triangle, Virginia, serves to fund, raise funds for, and support the program.
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History
Toys For Tots began as a Los Angeles charitable effort in 1947. Hendricks was inspired by his wife Diane when she tried to donate a doll to a needy child but could find no organization to do so. At her suggestion he gathered a group of local Marine reservists who collected some 5,000 toys for local children that year. Their efforts were so successful that, in 1948, Toys For Tots was launched as a national campaign. Hendricks used his position as director of Public Relations for Warner Brothers Studio to enlist celebrity support, as well as have Walt Disney Studios design the red toy train logo.[1]
Until 1979, Marine reservists (frequently in their dress blue uniforms) and volunteers would collect and refurbish used toys. In 1980, only new toys were accepted, as reservists were no longer able to dedicate drill hours to refurbish toys, as well as legal concerns and the mixed message of giving hand-me-downs as a message of hope.[1]
In 1991, the Secretary of Defense authorized the creation and affiliation with the non-profit charity foundation. In 1995, the Secretary of Defense approved Toys for Tots as official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve.[2]
Noting in 1996 that many communities did not have a Marine reservist presence, the commander of Marine Forces Reserve authorized Marine Corps League Detachments and other local organizations to fill the gaps in toy collection and distribution.[2] In 2009, the program received support from Michelle Obama, who placed the first collection box at the White House.[3]
As of 2009, the Toys for Tots Program and Foundation have collected and distributed almost five hundred million toys.[1]
Mission
The mission of the program "is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted."
The stated goal is to "deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens."
Notable Achievements
- Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year - 2003 (DMA NPF)
- Best Children's Charity of 2003 (Reader's Digest)
- One of the Top 10 charities of 2003 on Forbes "Gold Star" list.
- Consistently ranked higher on the Philanthopy 400 between 2001-2006.
- Received 4-Star rating from the Charity Navigator in 2005 and 2006.
References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
- ^ a b c d "Origin and Evolution of Toys for Tots". United States Marine Corps. http://www.toysfortots.org/about_toys_for_tots/toys_for_tots_program/origin_and_evolution.asp. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
- ^ a b "Chronological History of The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program". United States Marine Corps. http://www.toysfortots.org/about_toys_for_tots/toys_for_tots_program/chronology.asp. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
- ^ Hadley, Cecilia (December 14, 2009). "Giving Starts at the Top: White House announces staff toy drive for Toys for Tots". Marine Corps Times. pp. B3.
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 | Marine Corps Dictionary. Copyright © 2003 "Unofficial Dictionary for Marines" compiled and edited by Glenn B. Knight Read more |
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