It is the season of giving, and a beloved tradition for many is donating to Toys for Tots.
Toys for Tots was initiated as a program in 1947 by the Marine Corps Reserve in Los Angeles, California. That first year they collected and distributed 5,000 gifts. In the 77 years since then, the program grew nationwide and extended its reach internationally in the aftermath of catastrophic events. In addition to its well-known holiday program, it has developed a year-round support program, including a literacy program. In 2022 it distributed 20.4 million toys, books and games.
Its growth was aided by the creation of a logo and a theme song and boosted by the endorsement of Hollywood celebrities and political figures – in particular by First Ladies Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. Benefit events sponsored by sports teams (New York Yankees in 1962), television networks, shows and businesses were also helpful. Until 1980, the Marines collected both new and used toys and spent three months refurbishing the used toys. But in 1980 they changed policy to collect only new toys.
As the program grew, the Marines recognized the need to establish a foundation to help with the funding and administration of their expanded programs. Specific programs were founded for Native Americans in 1980, for victims of hurricanes and floods in 1993, for families who lost members on Sept. 11, 2001, for families during COVID, and for Afghan refugee children in 2021. The foundation to support all the programs was established in 1991. Today both the national headquarters for the Toys for Tots program and the Toys for Tots Foundation are located in Quantico, Virginia.
This rich history is the context for the Toys for Tots holiday program in Oceana County. Since 2001, toys have been collected, sorted and organized, and distributed from the Pentwater VFW Post. Post Commander Jim Carlson explains the process. “October 1 is the nationwide kickoff date, and December 18 is the final date for collection of toys. Collection boxes are stationed in schools, churches, businesses and other places located throughout the county. The boxes are brought to the VFW post.”
Then there is a division of labor. Jen Freed gathers a team of volunteers to help her sort and organize all the toys by appropriate age group. “I need a team of 12-15 volunteers,” Freed reported. "Anyone who would like to help with this task can call me at 231-578-2354.”
On Dec. 10, Carlson and a team of volunteers begin the registration process. “We start in Ferry, Walkerville, Rothbury and New Era. Then we move to Shelby, Hart and Pentwater. The families have to register their names and the number and ages of the children for whom they need gifts. No questions are asked about income.”
Families have two opportunities to register. The first round of registration is done by Dec. 14. A second round begins on Dec. 18 in the same order as the first round. This time gifts are distributed to the families who registered earlier. “We bring the gifts to the families, so no one misses out due to transportation issues. They come to the location of registration to pick up their gifts. Jen’s team puts gifts for each family in bags with the family’s name and we deliver them,” Carlson explained. “We average a distribution of 1,000-1,200 gifts to 400 families.”
In terms of any changes he has noticed over 24 years, he shared, “We have seen a growing number of families with only one parent or children being raised by their grandparents.”
Readers should note that all toys should be new and unwrapped when donated.
