Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
It's a site as distinct to holiday shoppers as the Christmas Tree itself; a U.S. Marine in full dress uniform silently guarding a pile of toys beneath a large red train logo: Toys for Tots.
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
It's a site as distinct to holiday shoppers as the Christmas Tree itself; a U.S. Marine in full dress uniform silently guarding a pile of toys beneath a large red train logo: Toys for Tots.
What began as a Los Angeles charity effort for needy children has transformed into a national undertaking each holiday season, and in Dayton thousands of children have seen its benefit.
Gunnery Sergeant Antonio Kitchens says the historic philanthropy has seen immense support locally.
Dayton Local: How did Toys for Tots get started?
Sgt. Kitchens: "Toys for Tots overall started a little over 60 years ago in 1947, the purpose of it was for any community found to be in need of toys to kids who otherwise would have a not so bright Christmas."
"We furnish new, unwrapped toys to any kids in the area who are in need, and my goal is at least two new toys per kid this Christmas."
"When we get monetary donations, we have people go and buy toys for the kids at local stores. We try to put the community's money back into the local area.
DL: What's the need been in Dayton?
AK: "As far as Dayton, last year we serviced 9,339 kids, this year that number's going to be tripled, if not quadrupled. The community support is very well needed as far as donations, event, so on."
DL: How can people help?
AK: "Anything pertaining to the local campaign can be directed to the local website, www.dayton-oh.toysfortots.org. On that website for the Montgomery-Greene County area, you'll see local events we have scheduled. If you have a fundraiser or toy drive you'd like to do, you can tell us about it and submit it to me. Then I'll get Marines to come to those functions to promote Toys for Tots, collect money, and so on."
"Also, as far as volunteering, it's an option that we use for all sorts of activities and events, warehousing, counting, sorting, shopping for toys with the monetary donations that we do have."
"We also have donations for people who can't volunteer. They can donate on the website and their donations will come directly to my campaign, and we will turn those donations into toys for kids."
Links & Tags
Toys for Tots Dayton.
