thedrifter
12-04-06, 06:32 AM
Article published Dec 4, 2006
Marines are on a mission to brighten the holidays for kids
LONDONDERRY – Since 1948, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program has distributed more than 300 million Christmas presents to disadvantaged children across the country.
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
The program was started by Maj. Bill Hendricks and Marine Reservists in Los Angeles who collected 5,000 toys for needy children in 1947.
The idea came from Hendricks’ wife, Diane. She made a Raggedy Ann doll and wanted to donate it to an organization that would give it to a needy child at Christmas. After some research, the couple discovered there was no such organization. Diane suggested that her husband start one.
After the success of the first year, the Marine Corps adopted the program and expanded Toys for Tots to a nationwide campaign.
In addition to being a Marine Reservist, Hendricks was the director of public relations for Warner Brothers Studio. He was able to convince many celebrities to support the program.
The Toys for Tots logo that is still in use today was designed by Walt Disney. He also designed the program’s first poster. Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole and Vic Damone recorded the Toys for Tots theme song.
National spokesmen for the program have included first ladies Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush, Bob Hope, John Wayne, Doris Day, Kenny Rogers and Tim Allen. This year’s national spokesmen for the program are Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife Robin.
In the beginning, the program collected new and used toys. Reserve Marines refurbished the used toys.
Starting in 1980, the program has only collected new toys. Distributing hand-me-down toys contradicted the message the Marines want to send to needy children.
In the late 1980s, the Toys for Tots Foundation was formed as a nonprofit charity to raise money for the program.
Last year, 18.5 million toys were distributed to 7.5 million needy children. Local campaigns were conducted in 516 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Over the 58 years of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, Marines have distributed more than 351 million toys to 166 million needy children.
For more information on the Toys for Tots program or to make an online donation, visit www.toysfortots.org.
New Hampshire’s drive is being coordinated by Bravo Company, 1st Battalion of the 25th Marine Division based in Londonderry. For more information, call Staff Sgt. Edwin P. Jose at 537-8012.
Toys must be dropped off by Friday, Dec. 15. Toys ranging from infants to teens should be unwrapped and nonviolent.
The following is a list of some of the drop off locations for Toys for Tots:
n TD Banknorth, Daniel Webster Plaza, 225 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua
n All Sovereign Bank locations, visit www.sovereignbank.com/personal/atmlocator/default.asp to find a branch near you.
n Motel 6, 2 Progress Ave., Nashua
n All Sullivan Tire locations including 369 Amherst St., Nashua; 397 South River Road, Bedford; and 4 Ashleigh Drive, Derry.
n Anne’s Country Florals, 212 Lowell Road, Market Basket Plaza
Ellie
Marines are on a mission to brighten the holidays for kids
LONDONDERRY – Since 1948, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program has distributed more than 300 million Christmas presents to disadvantaged children across the country.
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
The program was started by Maj. Bill Hendricks and Marine Reservists in Los Angeles who collected 5,000 toys for needy children in 1947.
The idea came from Hendricks’ wife, Diane. She made a Raggedy Ann doll and wanted to donate it to an organization that would give it to a needy child at Christmas. After some research, the couple discovered there was no such organization. Diane suggested that her husband start one.
After the success of the first year, the Marine Corps adopted the program and expanded Toys for Tots to a nationwide campaign.
In addition to being a Marine Reservist, Hendricks was the director of public relations for Warner Brothers Studio. He was able to convince many celebrities to support the program.
The Toys for Tots logo that is still in use today was designed by Walt Disney. He also designed the program’s first poster. Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole and Vic Damone recorded the Toys for Tots theme song.
National spokesmen for the program have included first ladies Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush, Bob Hope, John Wayne, Doris Day, Kenny Rogers and Tim Allen. This year’s national spokesmen for the program are Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife Robin.
In the beginning, the program collected new and used toys. Reserve Marines refurbished the used toys.
Starting in 1980, the program has only collected new toys. Distributing hand-me-down toys contradicted the message the Marines want to send to needy children.
In the late 1980s, the Toys for Tots Foundation was formed as a nonprofit charity to raise money for the program.
Last year, 18.5 million toys were distributed to 7.5 million needy children. Local campaigns were conducted in 516 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Over the 58 years of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, Marines have distributed more than 351 million toys to 166 million needy children.
For more information on the Toys for Tots program or to make an online donation, visit www.toysfortots.org.
New Hampshire’s drive is being coordinated by Bravo Company, 1st Battalion of the 25th Marine Division based in Londonderry. For more information, call Staff Sgt. Edwin P. Jose at 537-8012.
Toys must be dropped off by Friday, Dec. 15. Toys ranging from infants to teens should be unwrapped and nonviolent.
The following is a list of some of the drop off locations for Toys for Tots:
n TD Banknorth, Daniel Webster Plaza, 225 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua
n All Sovereign Bank locations, visit www.sovereignbank.com/personal/atmlocator/default.asp to find a branch near you.
n Motel 6, 2 Progress Ave., Nashua
n All Sullivan Tire locations including 369 Amherst St., Nashua; 397 South River Road, Bedford; and 4 Ashleigh Drive, Derry.
n Anne’s Country Florals, 212 Lowell Road, Market Basket Plaza
Ellie