Toys for Tots
Marine Corp Foundation Spreads Christmas Joy
Published On: December 28, 2011
Elegant couples arrived at the Marriott downtown in sequined gowns and tuxedos pushing bicycles, pulling wagons, and toting doll houses while handsome Marines in their dress uniforms efficiently organized a growing mountain of toys. Unmistakably, one of the city’s annual Toys for Tots parties was underway.
Unlike most charity galas, Toys for Tots parties are by invitation only. You can’t buy a ticket, but if you’re lucky, you may receive an invitation from one of the party hosts, like Karen and Paul Casi, who along with 52 others hosted the December 3rd party at the Marriott. Your invitation gives you the opportunity to provide hope in the form of a Christmas gift to a child who otherwise might go without this Christmas season.
Toys for Tots is sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was founded in 1947 by Colonel William Hendricks. Until 1979, the Marines collected used toys, which they refurbished during Reserve drill weekends. The decision to collect only new toys was based on the Toys for Tots’ goal, which 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.”
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was ranked #72 (out of 2 million organizations) in the 2010 Philanthropy 400 by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Over 98% of all donations made to Toys for Tots supports their mission of providing toys, books, and other gifts to less fortunate children. They spend only 2% on fundraising, and not one single donated dollar on salaries. If you’ve ever seen the efficient work of the Marines at these parties, you will have no doubt about their ability to efficiently manage their resources!
Many thanks to all of the Toys for Tots party hosts and to the Marines for giving all of us the opportunity to make sure all children in our community experience the joy of Christmas!
—photographs by josh miller
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