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 66th 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. Visit www.toysfortots.org
Sixty-six years ago, Toys for Tots began with one U.S. Marine Unit that delivered 5,000 toys to less fortunate children in Los Angeles. Today, Toys for Tots is in over 750 communities and all fifty states delivering joy and the magic of Christmas to more than 7 million children each year.
Learn How and When Your Listeners Can Get Involved in the 10th Anniversary Celebration by Donating Toys or Cash at Local Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us Stores
Lieutenant 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
More than 16 million U.S. children are currently living below the federal poverty line. Moreover, 1 out of every 3 children lives in families 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 basic essentials of food and shelter for their little ones.
Fortunately, their parents can turn to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. While more and more families find themselves in need, the number of requests for toys is rising. Unfortunately, toy donations over the past few years have declined so we are hoping to reach your listeners who may have the extra resources to purchase toys for less fortunate children 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 most deserving children. Last year, Toys for Tots programs in 745 communities – covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands – delivered 16.8 million toys to more than 7.1 million children.
Our gifts offer these children hope, recognition, and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the books, games and sports equipment that we provide make a significant contribution to the educational, social and physical development of these children.
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. General Osman will provide details about the individual need in specific markets, the status of the local toy drive and where listeners can donate. He will also suggest toys to donate that meet Toys for Tots needs in your community. Additionally, General Osman will discuss the Toys for Tots Foundation’s partnership with Toys“R”Us and the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund.
This year, the partnership with Toys“R”Us is entering its 10th year. As the largest retail partner in the history of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Toys“R”Us has raised over $31.6 million and collected more than 3.75 million toys 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.
for more info, go to https://goodnewsplanet.com/christmas-holiday-parade-in-los-angeles-for-toys-for-tots/
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