Toys for Tots provides chance to give back for Christmas

21 Nov 2003 | Cpl. Thomas Perry Marine Corps Training and Education Command

The most recent War in Iraq and the continuing Middle East turmoil has entrenched the Marine Corps mantra that "Every Marine is a rifleman," in the minds of the American people. However, the Marine Corps' contributions to the home front community can often be lost among the heroic headlines.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is one of those homeland contributions that rely heavily on the generosity of the Marines and their families.
The mission of the Toys for Tots 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.

"It is not the child's fault that something happens and their family can not afford holiday gifts," said Staff Sgt. Archie Schubert, the Toys for Tots Lowcountry coordinator. "Our goal is for every child to receive a new gift on Christmas."

Last year, the Lowcoutnry played Santa for more than 11,000 families with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 gifts. Although Toys for Tots is a national program, gifts donated in the area stay within the area, which according to Schubert, is very important for many of the people that donate toys.

"Everything that is collected in the region stays in the Lowcountry," said Schubert. "Many people want to insure that the gifts will help needy families within the Lowcountry."

The gifts are given to needy families who are registered with the Department of Social Services, The Salvation Army or the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
Last year's numbers allow program organizers to realize how many Lowcountry families are in need during the holiday season, and drives them to improve on last year's totals.

Schubert explained that they appreciate any gifts that are donated, but there is also a need for local Marines to volunteer for the post-collection activities such as distribution and gift-wrapping.    

There are many local collection points including the Navy Federal Credit Union on the Depot and the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, the Air Station Post Office, and at select businesses out in town. The deadline for all donations is Dec. 15.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Maj. Bill Hendricks, United States Marine Corps Reserve, and a group of Los Angeles Marine Reservists collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The idea came from Hendricks' wife, Diane. In the fall of 1947, Diane handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and asked Hendricks to deliver the doll to an organization, which would give it to a needy child at Christmas. When he determined that no agency existed, Diane told him that he should start one. The 1947 campaign was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign.

For more information on donations, or to volunteer, call Schubert at 247-1629.

Marine Corps Training and Education Command