‘Thanks A Million’ Event in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Marine Toys for Tots delivers joy and hope to children in need beyond the holiday season – we are a year-round force for good. One Program that provides year-round support is our Toys for Tots Literacy Program – breaking the cycle of poverty one book at a time.

In early May, Foundation members and special guests joined forces with the Kids in Need Foundation to support and celebrate 1,000 teachers in the Twin Cities area! The ‘Thanks A Million’ event recognized teachers in the Minneapolis area that are dedicated to the enrichment of their students’ lives by providing them with $1.25 million in school supplies and fun giveaways. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program provided three thousand books to the teachers.

The success of the event was made possible by the 217 volunteers and 115 contributors as well as Minnesota Vikings Safety, Camryn Bynum; former Vikings Wide Receiver, Leo Lewis; University of Minnesota mascot, Goldy Gopher; Vikings Cheerleaders; US Women’s Ice Hockey National and Olympic Gold Medalist, Lee Stecklein; and Cpl Banks (Marine Wing Support Squadron 471).

This event is just one of many that will support communities in need across the Nation during the spring and summer months. Toys for Tots is more than a Christmas charity – needs aren’t seasonal, and neither are we.