It’s Christmas time again and that means presents for children. Many parents have worked hard all year and saved up enough money to have the best Christmas that they can provide for their children. With the recent recession, some parents may have brought gifts and Christmas items early this year to head off the Christmas rush and prices. The Christmas decoration is out ready to be put up the day after Thanksgiving. There might even be people who have the Christmas dinner all planned out. The food packed away in the freezer ready to be defrosted. However, there is always that tiny thing some people may have forgotten.

Everyone knows that Christmas is the time for helping out and sharing with others. It’s the time of the year that providing a little help to those who needs can go a very long way. Toys for Tots is a great way to help spread a little Christmas cheer and to help children who may not have that special Christmas.

In 1947, Toys for Tots was started when Mrs. Hendricks made a Raggedy Ann doll. She asked her husband, Marine Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, to give it to an organization to help needy children. After searching, Major Hendricks couldn’t find any such organizations. However, with the help of the other Marie Reservists, over 5,000 toys was collected and given to the needy children around Los Angles. It was not until the following year that the Marines started the “Toys for Tots” program.

The “Toys for Tots” program was so successful that, today, it is a nationwide program that gives out thousands of toys to children in need. “Toys-for-tots” are depended upon the many donations from people and family that live within each area where they collect toys. Two weeks prior to Christmas, the toys are given to families with children.

When Toys for Tots first got started, they collected toys that were no longer needed. Today, they are accepting only semi-new to new, unopened toys. Large departments stores and retailers have allowed Toys for Tots to place collection boxes within their stores. Some stores, like Wal-Mart, even make contributions to Toys for Tots.

There are some Toys for Tots locations that are giving out food and food vouchers. Immunization shots and medical checkups for children is provided. In some of the larger cities, the Marine units collected food, clothes, and personal products for homeless shelters.

This year, with so many families with very little money or without a home due to job loss and foreclosure, donating to Toys for tots can really help put a smile on a lot of faces. So when you’re thinking of Christmas dinner, Christmas decoration, or out buying toys early for your little one, try to stop by Toys for Tots and donate a toy or two.

Image via Wikipedia

Source:

Toys for Tots | http://www.toysfortots.org/