Toys for Tots began in 1947 with one U.S. Marine Unit delivering 5,000 toys to less fortunate children in Los Angeles. Today, the organization has representation in over 780 communities and all 50 states, delivering joy to our nation’s neediest children. With the significant support of individual donors and our Corporate Sponsors, the Marines have fulfilled the Christmas dreams of an average of 7 million children each year.
Learn How Your Listeners Can Get Involved in the
2016 Toys for Tots Campaigns in Their Local Areas
Lieutenant General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
There are currently more than 15 million U.S. children living below the federal poverty line. Moreover, 1 out of every 3 children lives in a family where neither parent has full-time, year-round employment. Given the current economic climate, millions of children risk disappointment on Christmas morning as their parents struggle to provide the basic essentials of food and shelter for their little ones.
Fortunately, parents can turn to the Marine Toys for Tots Program during this time of the year. Our Corporate Partners, and most importantly, the American public, have been very supportive during these tough economic times as the demand for toys remains high.
Since 1947, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve units have conducted Toys for Tots campaigns in communities nationwide to bring the joy of the holidays and a message of hope to America’s less fortunate children. Last year, Toys for Tots conducted programs in 782 communities – covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands – delivering 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children.
These gifts offer children hope, recognition and a positive memory to cherish for a lifetime. Many of the books, games and sports equipment that we provide make a significant contribution to these children’s educational, social and physical development.
President and Chief Executive Officer for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, retired Marine Corps Lt. General Pete Osman, will discuss how listeners can deliver joy to a child in need in their community this holiday season.
Interview topics:
The increased requests for toys. With the long-term impacts of this sluggish economy, families are struggling to put a gift under the tree. We always run out of toys long before we run out of children in need.
How and where to help. It’s getting late to shop for a toy and find a toy drop off location, but it’s not too late to make a credit card donation on our website. We can immediately turn that donation into toys.
Corporate Support. We have over 85 National Corporate Sponsors who are supporting our program and thousands of local corporate sponsors. Please support their efforts.
· Toys“R”Us, our #1 Corporate Sponsor for the past 13 years, continues to add to their legacy. They’ve raised $48 million and collected more than $4 million worth of toys for us.
· Delta Airlines has contributed over $625K to this year’s campaign.
· This is Hasbro Toys 20th year of support, and they have contributed over $36M in toys to Toys for Tots.
· The UPS Stores are collecting books and dollars to purchase quality books for children.
· Disney has made a significant cash grant and donated more than $5M in toys.
· Lego is donating $2M in toys to this year’s campaign.
· Celebrity or VIP Support. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, has provided her personal support to Marine Toys for Tots. As our number one volunteer, her support has been key to our success these past seven years.
About the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation: The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 69th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season. Our job is to help moms and dads — who are struggling to make ends meet – ensure that their children experience the joy of Christmas.
For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.