Toys for Tots
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which donates toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks. The familiar logo of a train with the name on it was designed by Walt Disney Studios.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charity, serves to fund, raise funds for, and support the program.
The mission of the program "is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted."
Marines passing out toys will frequently be in full dress blue uniform.
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[edit] History
Toys For Tots began as a Los Angeles charitable effort in in 1947. Major Hendricks, USMCR, and local Marine Reservists collected some 5,000 toys for local children that year. Their efforts were so successful that in 1948 Toys For Tots was launched as a national campaign. The program has run every year since. [1]
[edit] Partners
[edit] Notable Achievements
- Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year - 2003 (DMA NPF)
- Best Children's Charity of 2003 (Readers Digest)
- One of the Top 10 charities of 2003 on Forbes "Gold Star" list.
- Consistently ranked higher on the Philanthopy 400 between 2001-2006.
- Received 4-Star rating from the Charity Navigator in 2005 and 2006.
- In 1993, 75 percent of the money the charity raised went to expenses and none had gone to buy toys for needy children.[2]
[edit] External links
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