EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHRISTMAS
The Marine Toys for Tots (or simply Toys for Tots), a 68-yearold charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, helps provide happiness and hope to disadvantaged children who might otherwise be overlooked during the Christmas holiday season. Their gifts offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory that will last them for a lifetime. It is such experiences that may motivate them to become responsible and caring members of their community.
During the one season that a child would rather be remembered with a gift than anything else in the world, Toys for Tots makes a genuine contribution in over 760 communities nationwide. Many of the gifts provided, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, as well as social and recreational interests, of these children. The program is also of immense assistance to parents who, during the holiday season, are unable to provide needed gifts for their children.
The Marine Corps has been fulfilling the holiday hopes and dreams of nearly seven million less- fortunate children in each of the past 10 years. While that may seem like a lot of children, the organization unfortunately runs out of gifts for many more children out there who may be in need. There are an estimated 14 million children living in poverty in this nation who might not be remembered at Christmas without help. Help fulfill the holiday dreams of these less fortunate children by making a contribution to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. To make a contribution or to find out more about the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, please go to their website at www.toysfortots.org or call the foundation at (703) 640-9433.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my local Toys for Tots campaign?
The national website is the starting point to find one of over 700 Toys for Tots campaign sites. At the top of the Home Page (www.toysfortots.org), there is a dropdown menu labeled “Select a State.” From this menu, one may select the state, then the city/county in which they reside. If the city county is covered, clicking on that location will take the surfer to a local Toys for Tots website. At the local website, each visitor may find information about local events, how to become a collection point for the local campaign, how to register for assistance, and how to donate directly to a local campaign.
How can my business become a Toy Drop-off Location?
1. Visit www.toysfortots.org and click the “Toy Drop-Offs” button at the top of the page
2. Select your state; City and County search options will appear.
3. Select the city or county nearest your location; Contact by phone, FAX, email (Recommend you use email. Click the hypertext email address. An email form will appear)
4. Fill out the form by providing your name, phone number and address plus a description of your business. State that you want to volunteer to be a toy drop off location. Send to coordinator. The Coordinator will contact you.
Where can I drop off a toy?
Visit www.toysfortots.org and proceed through the following four (4) step process to determine the toy drop off location nearest to you.
1. Click the “Toy Drop-Offs” button at the top of the page
2. Select your state; City or County search options will appear
3. Select the city or county nearest your location; Contact by phone, FAX, email (Recommend you use email. Click the hypertext email address. An email form will appear)
4. Fill out the form by providing your name, phone number and address. Ask for the location of the toy drop off point nearest you. The Coordinator will contact you and provide the requested information.
How can I make a cash donation to Toys for Tots?
To donate by credit card, visit www.toysfortots. org and proceed through the following two (2) step process.
1. Go to “Donate Online”
2. Follow instructions
To donate by check, mail your check to:
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
18251 Quantico Gateway Drive
Triangle, VA 22172
Make check payable to: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
How can my corporation become a National Corporate Sponsor of Toys for Tots?
Visit www.toysfortots.org and proceed through the following five (5) steps:
1. Go to “Corporate Partners” on our homepage
2. Click “What I need to know
3. Read information provided
4. Click on Major William J. Grein hypertext, and an e-mail box will appear
5. Fill out email message by providing your name, phone number, FAX number and mailing address. Bill will contact you as soon as possible.
How can I become a Toys for Tots volunteer?
1. Visit www.toysfortots.org and click the “Toy Drop-Offs” button at the top of the page.
2. Select your state; City or County search options will appear
3. Select the city or county nearest your location; Contact by phone, FAX, email (Recommend you use email. Click the hypertext email address. An email form will appear)
What ages are supported by Toys for Tots?
Most campaign sites are able to assist children up to age 12, but in many local communities, local support is such that the age limit may be extended to 14 to 16.
Is there a list of toys available to guide me with my donation?
Toys for Tots does not publish a list of appropriate toys to donate. If such a list were created, most would follow it, resulting in a limited selection of items to distribute in each community. Toys for Tots would rather that donors consider what might be an appropriate gift for their own child/relative, purchase the item, and donate to Toys for Tots.
Pre-teen/teens are groups for which shopping is especially difficult. Do you have any ideas?
The Foundation does purchase supplemental toys/gifts for our campaign sites and focuses on these age groups. In the past, items purchased for these groups have included, but are not limited to: sporting equipment/bags/balls; books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars/trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners, and hair dryers.
Are there toys that are not accepted/distributed?
Toys for Tots prefers not to accept realistic looking weapons and gifts with food. If donated, such items will NOT be distributed.
How can I obtain toys for my children or for someone else?
Visit www.toysfortots.org and proceed through the following four (4) step process and determine the procedure
1. Click the “Request Toys” button at the top of the page.
2. Select your state; City or County search options will appear.
3. Select the city or county nearest your location; Contact by phone, FAX, email (Recommend you use email. Click the hypertext email address. An email form will appear.
4. Fill out the form by providing your name, phone number and address. Provide the ages and gender of your children and request that Christmas toys be provided for them. The Coordinator will contact you.
I am writing a paper/preparing a speech about Toys for Tots. Where can I obtain information?
Visit www.toysfortots.org and proceed through the following two (2) step process and determine the procedure
1. Click on “About Toys for Tots” button at the top of the page
2. This page provides the index for an array of information about Toys for Tots. •
