Toys For Tots
"to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive and patriotic citizens"
Toys For Tots began in 1947 when Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks' wife wanted to donate a Raggedy Ann doll to a child in need. There were no such organizations for her to donate to so Major Hendricks gather together a few other local Marine reservists to start one. Bins were placed outside of Warner Brothers movie theaters and they collected about 5,000 toys for local kids. Major Hendricks was the director of Public Relations for Warner Brothers studio and enlisted celebrity support as well as Walt Disney and animators who designed the red train logo. Only Marine Corps reservists, dressed in their dress blues, and volunteers would collect and refurbish toys until 1980 when Toys For Tots began to only accept new toys due to the time it took to refurbish the toys and legalities such as recalls. In 1995, the Secretary of Defense gave the big OK and Toys For Tots became an official mission the Marine Corps Reserve. There were communities that lacked Marine Corps reservists, so in 1996 the Marine Corps Reserve authorized the Marine Corps League detachments and other organizations to collect and distribute toys. In 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama brought the first Toys For Tots collection box into the White House.
As of 2016, Toys For Tots has collected and distributed more than 512 million toys. The organization has expanded to support underprivileged kids year round. Toys For Tots also has a literacy program that distributes age-appropriate books to children in low income neighborhoods.
As of 2016, Toys For Tots has collected and distributed more than 512 million toys. The organization has expanded to support underprivileged kids year round. Toys For Tots also has a literacy program that distributes age-appropriate books to children in low income neighborhoods.
Thank you to all who donated!!
Toys For Tots and AACo PD
Eastern District
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Northern District
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Southern District
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Western District
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