Monday, November 22, 2010

Toys 4 Tots -- Marine Program to Give Christmas Gifts to Children

Nov 21, 2010 Katrena Wells

Toys 4 Tots History and Contact Information - Photo by Jake Joy

Toys 4 Tots History and Contact Information - Photo by Jake Joy

Toys 4 Tots was started in 1947 in Los Angeles by a group in the Marine Reserves at the request of Diane Hendrix, the wife of Major Bill Hendrix, after she discovered that no organization existed to distribute toys to needy children at Christmas.

This pilot program began with the distribution of 5,000 toys locally to a nationwide effort providing over 400 million toys to over 188 million children in need through local campaigns throughout the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has provided a free book to over one million children across the nation.

Toys 4 Tots Wins Awards and Respect in Communities

Many celebrities have publicly supported the Marine Toys 4 Tots program, including Walt Disney, who designed the logo in 1948. Nat “King” Cole, Peggy Lee, & Vic Damone first recorded the theme song for Toys 4 Tots in 1956. Other celebrities supporting Toys 4 Tots include, but are not limited to:

  • Bob Hope
  • John Wayne
  • Tim Allen
  • Kenny Rogers
  • Billy Ray Cyrus
  • First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush

Toys 4 Tots has been ranked or recognized by several different organizations, with awards including:

  • Philanthropy 400 (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
  • Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year (DMA Nonprofit Federation)
  • America’s Best Children’s Charity (Reader’s Digest)
  • Gold Star List (Forbes)
  • Local Community Organization of the Year (Native American Program)

Many corporations support the Marine Toys 4 Tots charity. Partners that have donated at least $1 million cash or toys equaling at least $2 million include:

  • Associated Television International
  • Babies R Us
  • Build-a-Bear Workshop
  • FAO Schwarz
  • Hasbro
  • Scholastic
  • The UPS Store
  • Toys R Us

Ways to Donate to Toys 4 Tots Nonprofit Organization to Support Kids

Only 4% of donations go toward fundraising efforts, while the other 96% provides toys, books, and gifts to children in need. Toys 4 Tots has several different options for donating:

  • At a local drop-off site
  • Via PayPal
  • Through eBay
  • Online using either VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express
  • In memory or tribute to someone
  • In honor of someone
  • To the Native American Program
  • By using select search engines that donate to nonprofits

Donations may be sent through postal mail at the following address:

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

18251 Quantico Gateway Drive

Triangle, VA 22172

Donations to Toys 4 Tots are tax deductible. Although used toys were accepted for donation several years ago, Toys 4 Tots now only accepts new items due to limited time available to refurbish toys and safety concerns. People may also donate a vehicle to benefit the Toys 4 Tots program. Donations are tax deductible. Those who wish to find a drop-off location may sign up on the Toys 4 Tots web site. People who wish to receive toys through Toys 4 Tots may check the web site for local contacts.

Toys 4 Tots Gives Toys, Books, and Hope to Children Across America

Those who are looking for a trustworthy non-profit organization that helps underprivileged children at Christmas may wish to consider Toys 4 Tots. This charitable program began with someone recognizing a need and has developed into a large nationwide effort lead by the Marines. Toys 4 Tots has expanded to benefit Native American populations and to encourage literacy by providing books as well.

Readers may also wish to read:

Information in this article is current on the date of publication.

Copyright Katrena Wells. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

  • Toys 4 Tots History and Contact Information - Photo by Jake Joy

    Toys 4 Tots History and Contact Information - Photo by Jake Joy

  • Marine Toys 4 Tots Program Gives Free Toys to Kids - Photo by taliesin

    Marine Toys 4 Tots Program Gives Free Toys to Kids - Photo by taliesin

  • Toys 4 Tots Literacy Program Offers Free Books - Photo by Nicki Dugan

    Toys 4 Tots Literacy Program Offers Free Books - Photo by Nicki Dugan

  • Toys 4 Tots Native American Program Offers Hope - Photo by puravida

    Toys 4 Tots Native American Program Offers Hope - Photo by puravida

  • Help Underprivileged Kids at Christmas Toys 4 Tots - Photo by Paul Anderson

    Help Underprivileged Kids at Christmas Toys 4 Tots - Photo by Paul Anderson

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