First national television network promotion for Toys for Tots. King World Merv Griffin Productions’ evening television game show, “Wheel of Fortune”, and Pizza Hut conduct a three week promotion of Toys for Tots that raises nearly $3,000,000. It set several records that are recorded in the “Guinness Book of World Records” for participation and donations made to a call in promotion. Marine Corps Reserve units collected and distributed over 7.9 million toys. Marine Reserves are mobilized for Desert Shield/Storm, but Toys for Tots goes on.
Secretary of Defense authorized the Marine Corps to recognize and work with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. In September, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation became an operational organization and supported Toys for Tots for the first time during the Christmas 1991 campaign. The Foundation headquarters was located in Buffalo, NY.
Marine Toys for Tots Program collects and distributes over 7.4 million toys. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation provides over 250,000 toys for children of Florida and Louisiana who were victims of Hurricane Andrew.
First Lady Barbara Bush was National Spokesperson for Toys for Tots.
The Memorandum of Agreement between Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is signed.
Marine Toys for Tots Program collects and distributes over 8,000,000 toys. Special toy deliveries were made to the victims of the Mississippi basin floods. LtGen Mathew T. Cooper, USMC (Ret) becomes the President and CEO of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation on September 1, 1993.
Marine Toys for Tots Program distributed over 6,800,000 toys and brought the joy of Christmas to 3,400,000 underprivileged children.
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation headquarters relocates from Buffalo, NY to Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA..
Marine Toys for Tots Program collects over 8,100,000 toys and distributed them to over 4,200,000 underprivileged children. TV star Tim Allen was the National Toys for Tots Spokesperson.
Secretary of Defense approved Toys for Tots as an official activity of the U. S. Marine Corps and as an official mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Marine Toys for Tots Program distributes over 7,200,000 toys and brought the joy of Christmas to over 4,100,000 underprivileged children. Country Western singer Garth Brooks supported Toys for Tots by giving concerts dedicated to Toys for Tots and by providing public service announcements to aid local program efforts.
Commander, Marine Forces Reserve expands Toys for Tots to cover all 50 states by authorizing selected Marine Corps League Detachments and selected Local Community Organizations (generally veteran Marines), located in communities without a Marine Reserve Center, to conduct toy collection and distribution campaigns in their communities as part of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
Marines celebrate the 50th anniversary of Toys for Tots. On June 6th, the President and CEO, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation hosted a 50th anniversary reception at the John Phillips Sousa Band Hall at Marine Barracks, Washington, DC. The reception featured an inspiring speech by the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Charles C. Krulak. Following the reception, the Marine Corps dedicated their traditional Friday evening parade at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. to Marine Toys for Tots.
On December 3rd, Warner Brothers Studio hosted a 50th anniversary Toys for Tots event at their Hollywood studio during which the late Bill Hendricks was posthumously presented the Department of the Navy Meritorious Public Service Award.
Entertainer, Kenny Rogers was the National Spokesperson during the 50th anniversary year.
Toys for Tots began in 1947 as the brain child of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks. Actually it was his wife, Diane, who was the real inspiration. She had a few handcrafted dolls and asked Bill to deliver them to an agency that supports children in need.
When Bill reported back to his wife that he could not find such an organization, she instructed him to “start one!”. Maj Hendricks and the Marines in his reserve unit in LA collected and distributed 5,000 toys in 1947.
Seeing such successful community engagement in 1947, the Commandant directed all Marine Reserve Sites to implement a TFT campaign transforming it into a national community action program in 1948.
Bill Hendrick’s civilian job was Director of Public Relations at Warner Brothers Studios. He was friends with many celebrities who he asked to help support the newly created Marine Toys for Tots Program. As a personal friend and as a favor to Bill, Walt Disney designed the first Toys for Tots poster which included a miniature three-car train that was subsequently adopted as the Toys for Tots logo.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit charity, was established in 1991 at the behest of the Marine Corps to help run and support the Marine Toys for Tots Program.
The Foundation raises funds, purchases toys, provides promotional and support materials, manages all funds raised and donated, solicits corporate support, educates the public, and handles day-to-day operations. Presently, the Marine Toys for Tots Program distributes an average of 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children annually.
Connect with your local Marine Toys for Tots Campaign to donate and volunteer and help give the joy of Christmas to less-fortunate children.