Toys for Tots is a program ran by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, which collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distributes these toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community. Originally founded in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks, the VFW continues to support this program that brings joy to children each Holiday Season.
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. They objective is to help these children experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of the world's most valuable resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. The principal Toys for Tots activity which takes place each year is the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a VFW Post is located.
