Don’t Forget the Marine’s Toys for Tots
A Marine tradition continues this year, and I’m asking you to take part. Toys for Tots began in 1947. Major Bill Hendricks (USCR) and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children in the area. The original idea was said to come from Bill’s wife, Diane. The original project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and that’s when it expanded it into a nationwide campaign.
The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has distributed more than 400 million toys to over 188 million needy children over the years. That is a lot of toys, but you have to remember that times are tougher than ever for Americans all over. It’s time to pull together – even if you’re not a Marine – and give it that Marine one-two-get-it-done attitude. Are you with me?
If each one of you tells five people about Toys for Tots – reminding them it’s important to give even a little – those five people may each tell five people. Do you see where I’m going with this? I hope so. If you take action, you could start a landslide and help kids all over America have a little better Christmas this year. It doesn’t take a lot – cash or unwrapped gifts. That’s it.
If you don’t know where to donate, look around your community or check out the Marine’s Toys for Tots web page, which will have more information about your area of the country. It’s the holidays, and it’s important for all of us to pull together and continue this great tradition the Marines started so many years ago. Today more than ever, every little bit helps. Tell five people and tell them to tell five people. Before you know it, we’ll have the word out and many more children a little happier on Christmas morning.
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Toys for Tots on Today Show
Marines from 6th Communication Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, and Stuart Jacobson, author and producer, wait to talk with Al Roker on NBC’s “Today Show,” Oct. 21, New York City, about the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The program is a charitable extension of the Marine Corps that collects toys for as many of the 13 million children living in poverty as possible at Christmas-time each year. These Brooklyn, N.Y., based Marines handle all donations and distributions for New York City and surrounding area. For more information about Toys for Tots visit www.toysfortots.org. Photo by Sgt. Randall Clinton
R. Lee Ermey Helps Toys for Tots Ermey
Former U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor turned Golden Globe-nominated actor R. Lee Ermey joins Santa Claus to put toys into the “Toys for Tots” donation box at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Ermey visited the hospital to support the program and visit with staff and service members. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Greg Mitchell
Toys for Tots
Capt. Michael Kelly, commanding officer of Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, presents toys and a check to retired Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey to benefit the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program at Naval Air Station North Island. Fleet Readiness Center Southwest has been supporting the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program for 49 years. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rialyn Rodrigo
Toys for Tots Brings Presents to New Jersey Hospital
A Marine from 6th Communications Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, who recently returned from an Iraq deployment leaves the stage after joining New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and musicians Michael Buble and Aretha Franklin in lighting the 76 ft. Christmas Tree during NBC’s 77th Annual Live Holiday Celebration, Dec. 2. Marines from numerous local units attended the event as special guests in front of the stage for the evening’s celebration. Photo by Sgt. Randall Clinton