Toys for Tots

My favorite Marine is my Dad. And my favorite Christmas charity is Toys for Tots.

Back in 1947, Diane Hendricks, wife of Major Bill Hendricks USMCR, made a doll to donate to a needy child. She and Bill could find no organization existing at that time in Los Angeles to handle such a donation. So they vowed to do something about it. Bill and Marine reservists, in the Los Angeles area, collected and distributed nearly 5,000 toys that first year.

The following Christmas, 1948, the Marine Corps took Toys for Tots nationwide with every Marine Corps reserve unit in the country collecting and distributing toys to needy children. Major Bill worked in the movie industry in his civilian life and news spread quickly among major celebrities who have endorsed the program since day one. Including the incomparable Walt Disney himself, who designed the Toys for Tots logo still used today.

Originally the program accepted new and used toys but since 1980 they have been only accepting new toys. Logistically it was too overwhelming to repair toys and ensure their safety. Plus a new toy sends a stronger message of hope and self esteem to a child.

In 1991, the Secretary of Defense authorized the Marine Corps to create a dedicated Toys for Tots Foundation. The local reservists remain the backbone of the Toys for Tots program, but the dedicated organization helps with additional fund raising, better distribution based on needs and a better coordinated organizational makeup.

Everything you need to know about donating to Toys for Tots can be found on their website Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

You can find a local contact for drop off information and you can request a child be included on their gift list. You can also make a cash donation online from the comfort of your living room chair! In my area, the reservists have drop off points at many convenient locations during the holidays, including our local mall.

There is nothing more heartwarming than knowing you have helped make a Merry Christmas for some less fortunate child.