The final stats haven’t been released yet, but based on media reports from around the country, the 2011 Toys for Tots drive was a success.
According to the charity’s official website, Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in L.A. collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Today, it’s the largest and most successful holiday gift drive in the world. As Marines, we wouldn’t expect anything less than the best when it comes to giving our all to help out. If you ask us, we Marines are Santa’s right hand men. We make sure that kids everywhere get the joy they deserve on Christmas morning.
Since the start of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million children in need. That’s truly amazing.
Plus in 2011, Toys for Tots was able to partner with a great number of companies and organizations, including Mud Pie, PODS Moving and Storage, the NFL, and the Hallmark Channel.
Online marketplace eBay also got involved this year by setting up a “Give-A-Toy Store” where shoppers could donate toys through a mobile device. Just think, a few button pushes on your smart phone and you can give a child an amazing Christmas. Isn’t technology wonderful? LivingSocial, a daily deals site, also gave $2 million to Toys for Tots during the 2011 holiday season, making one of the largest gifts to the organization we’ve ever seen.
At Patriot Surplus, we thank everyone who donated for their contributions and support. The holiday season is always a time to think about giving to those who need it most, but from our perspective, we can truly say that this is a wonderful cause. We’re a proud supporter of Toys for Tots and can’t wait to see the numbers for the 2011 holiday season.
And hey, in 2012, we can shoot even higher. After all, we’re Marines. We don’t settle for anything less than the best.