Shaffer
12-10-02, 12:44 PM
The 2002 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign, the 55th annual campaign - is entering its final 21 days. Created in 1947, Toys for Tots has grown from an initial collection and distribution of 5,000 toys to needy children of Los Angeles to the banner campaign at Christmas 2001 when Marines distributed over 13.2 million toys to 6.1 million needy children throughout the nation. During last year's campaign, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation supplemented local collections with 7.3 million toys valued at over $40 million.
This year, the situation is much different. As of today, the Foundation is experiencing its most difficult fundraising and toy raising challenge since 1994. To date, the Foundation has attained only 75% of its 2002 revenue goal and only 60% of its corporate toy donation goal.
This news release is a "last ditch" call to action for corporate America to join the Toys for Tots team and help U.S. Marines deliver a message of hope to millions of needy children throughout the nation.
Our specific request is for companies with warehouses filled with excess toys and children's books, or with toys left over from a concluded marketing promotion to donate these toys and books to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation today.
The Foundation will pick up the toys and distribute them to our 409 local Toys for Tots Coordinators throughout the nation, who, in turn, will distribute the toys to needy children. By emptying their warehouses, corporations will save on storage and rental fees, can remove these items from their inventories and can take a charitable donation deduction on their federal income tax returns. The most important reason to donate, however, is to make a difference in the lives of countless economically disadvantaged youngsters throughout the nation.
The President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, LtGen, Matthew T. Cooper, USMC (Ret), stated that "This is a year during which there may be more children in need than ever before because of the economic downturn. We want every child to experience the joy of Christmas. To do so, we desperately need the support of corporate America. We are leaving no stone unturned in our search for a last minute 'windfall' donation of toys. My message to companies that may be able to help us is this: please call Major Bill Grein at 703-640-9433 and tell him where your warehouse full of toys is located, we will do the rest!"
For individuals:
To help with the Toys for Tots Campaign in your community, visit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation's website (toysfortots.org); find the name, phone number, FAX number and email address of your local Toys for Tots Coordinator; contact the coordinator and determine the location of the nearest toy drop off point.
If you wish to support the national program, visit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Website (toysfortots.org)- donations can be taken online.
This year, the situation is much different. As of today, the Foundation is experiencing its most difficult fundraising and toy raising challenge since 1994. To date, the Foundation has attained only 75% of its 2002 revenue goal and only 60% of its corporate toy donation goal.
This news release is a "last ditch" call to action for corporate America to join the Toys for Tots team and help U.S. Marines deliver a message of hope to millions of needy children throughout the nation.
Our specific request is for companies with warehouses filled with excess toys and children's books, or with toys left over from a concluded marketing promotion to donate these toys and books to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation today.
The Foundation will pick up the toys and distribute them to our 409 local Toys for Tots Coordinators throughout the nation, who, in turn, will distribute the toys to needy children. By emptying their warehouses, corporations will save on storage and rental fees, can remove these items from their inventories and can take a charitable donation deduction on their federal income tax returns. The most important reason to donate, however, is to make a difference in the lives of countless economically disadvantaged youngsters throughout the nation.
The President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, LtGen, Matthew T. Cooper, USMC (Ret), stated that "This is a year during which there may be more children in need than ever before because of the economic downturn. We want every child to experience the joy of Christmas. To do so, we desperately need the support of corporate America. We are leaving no stone unturned in our search for a last minute 'windfall' donation of toys. My message to companies that may be able to help us is this: please call Major Bill Grein at 703-640-9433 and tell him where your warehouse full of toys is located, we will do the rest!"
For individuals:
To help with the Toys for Tots Campaign in your community, visit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation's website (toysfortots.org); find the name, phone number, FAX number and email address of your local Toys for Tots Coordinator; contact the coordinator and determine the location of the nearest toy drop off point.
If you wish to support the national program, visit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Website (toysfortots.org)- donations can be taken online.