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Interview Lieutenant General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017
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 800 communities and all 50 states, delivering joy to our nation’s neediest children. With the significant support of Toys“R”Us over the past decade, 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 14th Annual Celebration by Donating Toys or Cash at Local Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us Stores
There are currently 15.5 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 that many of these parents struggle to provide the basic essentials of food and shelter for their little ones, millions of children risk disappointment on Christmas morning, with no toys under the tree. With demand for assistance remaining high, we are reaching out to your listeners to purchase toys to donate to Toys for Tots – which will go directly to children in need in your community.
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 more than 790 communities – covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands – delivering 18 million toys to 7 million 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 Lieutenant General Pete Osman, will discuss how listeners can deliver joy to a child in need in their community this holiday season. General Osman will provide additional details about this year’s campaign and will discuss the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s special partnership with Toys“R”Us.
This year, the partnership with Toys“R”Us is entering its 14th year. As the largest retail partner in the history of Toys for Tots, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has launched award-winning campaigns that have raised over $55 million and collected more than 4 million toys for the organization since the partnership began in 2004. The success of the Toys“R”Us campaign exemplifies the commitment of corporate partners helping the organization by collecting toy and monetary contributions to ensure every child receives a toy on Christmas morning.
Interview topics:
Ø The increased requests for toys. Although many of us now see the recession as a thing of the past, those in the lower economic groups have yet to see full recovery. We’ve also have a tremendous increase in support requests for areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Ø The struggle to raise toys and dollars. In recent years Marines and volunteers have had a number of challenges to raise toys for their annual holiday program. Many families, who have given in the past, no longer have the extra cash to purchase a toy for a less fortunate child.
Ø How and where to help. Toys are collected at all Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us locations nationwide through Friday, December 15, and monetary donations will be collected at all stores through December 24 and online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots or Toysfortots.org.
Ø Price Match Promise. This year, Toys“R”Us is also conducting a Price Match Promise that will benefit Toys for Tots. If a consumer finds a better price elsewhere, Toys“R”Us will match it – plus donate $1 to Toys for Tots for every price they match in store — up to $1 million dollars!!
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 70th 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. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.