We support the Toys for Tots program.
Toys for Tots, a 74-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness, and hope to less fortunate children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books, and other gifts collected and distributed by our Marines and volunteers during the Christmas season offer these children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime.
Toys for Tots also provides support year-round to less fortunate families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus sending a message of hope beyond the holiday season. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.
Last year, the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7.4 million less fortunate children in over 800 communities nationwide. Since 1947, over 272 million children have been assisted. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
The Marine Corps Toys For Tots program began in 1947 as the brainchild of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and his wife. She made a handcrafted doll for children in need and Toys for Tots was born from that little doll. 5000 toys were distributed in 1947. Today, 75 years later, an average of 18 million toys are distributed annually.
In 2005 the program was brought to Lake County by Dave Hubbard and his wife. It’s been an awesome program for the children of Lake County. Since they’ve retired and relocated they found wonderful folks to carry on the tradition.
This year the Lake County Toys For Tots program is headed up by Lyle and Liam Coburn, the owners of Crazy Quilt Farms in Upper Lake.
You’ll find boxes to accept your donations of toys at businesses all around the county. We have one here at the Clear lake Chamber of Commerce office in Clearlake. Help us make little faces light up with a smile on Christmas Day!
Many Ways To Deliver Hope
For more information, please visit www.toysfortots.org.
