History: Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. It was founded in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks, inspired by his wife, Diane. Diane had handcrafted dolls and asked Bill to deliver them to an agency supporting children in need. When Bill couldn't find such an organization, Diane suggested he start one.

The first campaign collected and distributed 5,000 toys in Los Angeles. Seeing its success, the Marine Corps expanded it nationwide in 1948. Walt Disney designed the first Toys for Tots poster and logo, featuring a miniature train.

Over the years, many celebrities have endorsed the program, including John Wayne, Bob Hope, and Frank Sinatra. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was established in 1991 to support the program's operations.

MISSION: The basic mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas.

GOAL: The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America's less fortunate children.

PERFORMANCE and ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Since 2001 ranked as one of the top-rated charities by "Philanthropy 400”
• Unmodified opinions on Audited Financial Statements (1994-Present)
• Average Program to Support Service expense ratio: (2000-Present) 97:3
• Continues to meet all 20 standards established by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
• Distributed over 24.4 million toys in 2022 to 9.9 million children across 833 local campaigns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands
• Additionally, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has distributed over 2 million books since its inception in 2008