To America’s Neediest Children
Learn How and When Your Listeners Can Get Involved by Donating Toys or Cash,
Including at Local ToysRUs and BabiesRUs Stores Across the Country
Live Interview:
Lt. General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Statistics on Local Toy Drives Available by Market
While the economy is still struggling to recover from the recession, the holidays offer a time of hope and excitement for children across the country. Unfortunately, with 14 million U.S. children living in poverty every day, many children risk disappointment Christmas morning. Their parents are increasingly turning to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, who is receiving an increased number of requests for gifts this year. But while requests are rising, donations are declining because fewer families have the extra resources to purchase toys for donation.
Unemployment is still at all-time highs, 9.6% with forecasts projecting it to remain at elevated levels for throughout 2010. For the third straight year, this protracted economic downturn continues to put financial and emotional strain on families, leaving many without the resources to deliver the magic of the holiday. Since 1947, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve units have conducted Toys for Tots campaigns in communities nationwide to bring the joy of Christmas to America’s most disadvantaged children.
President and Chief Executive Officer for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Lt. General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), will discuss how listeners can deliver joy to a child in need in their community this holiday season. Lt. General Osman will provide details about the individual need in specific markets, the status of the toy drive, and where listeners can donate. He will also suggest toys to donate that meet Toys for Tots needs in your community. Additionally, Lt. General Osman will discuss the Toys for Tots Foundations partnership with ToysRUs and the ToysRUs Childrens Fund. As the largest retail partner in the history of Toys for Tots, Toys RUs and BabiesRUs stores nationwide are accepting toy and monetary contributions to help Americas neediest children receive a toy on Christmas morning.
Interview topics:
The unprecedented increase in requests for toys. With unemployment at a 27-year high, many families are struggling to put a gift under the tree.
The significant decline in toys donated. Toys for Tots is experiencing a decline in toy donations as many families who have given in the past no longer have the extra cash to purchase a toy for a less fortunate child.
The number of children impacted. Lt. General Osman will provide an update on this years toy drive in your local market, including the number of children served and status on toy collections so far. How and where to help. Toys are being collected at all ToysRUs and BabiesRUs locations through December 5. Cash will be collected at all stores through December 24 and online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots or Toysfortots.org.
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 and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 62nd year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy during the Christmas holiday season. Our gifts offer these children hope, recognition and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts they provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and recreational development of these children.
For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org or www.toysrus.com/Toyfortots
for more info, go to https://goodnewsplanet.com/christmas-holiday-parade-in-los-angeles-for-toys-for-tots/
