Toys for Tots Brings Christmas to Those Less Fortunate

With hard economic times, this year the  holiday season will be difficult for many.  The U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program helps these families by collecting new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distributing those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Their goal is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

“I’m really just a big kid myself, and I can’t imagine a child going without a toy to unwrap during the holidays,” said Shaquille O’Neal, this year's Toys for Tots Spokesperson or “Shaq-A-Claus” as he has come to be known for his holiday giving to children in need. “Toys are magical for kids! My life was transformed one Christmas morning when, as a boy, I received an autographed Dr. J basketball from Toys“R”Us. With millions children living in poverty in this country, I urge everyone to ‘Join Shaq Give Back’ this holiday season.”

[Find a dropoff site near you.]