Toys for Tots, a nonprofit which normally gives out toys to needy children around Christmastime, has decided it would distribute its toys a little earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The program, which is run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, said it is prepared to donate two million toys, books, and games to needy families under stay-at-home orders across the country.
“While Marine Toys for Toys foundation is known as a Christmas time charity, we don’t want to wait until next holiday season to lessen the fear and anxiety of our children,” said Lt. Gen Jim Laster, president & CEO of the foundation.
Toy collection usually begins in October and goes until mid-to-late December. The toys are then distributed in mid-to-late December.
Toys for Tots drives are usually held in over 800 communities in all 50 states, but with the coronavirus limiting movement outside the home, the organization requested outside help in distributing the toys immediately.
“In order to provide immediate relief and assistance now, we have partnered with Good360, the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, to distribute 2 million toys to families-in-need,” according to the program’s website.
Laster said the crisis has brought about a “dramatic rise” in requests for household items as well as toys, which he hopes could provide relief to families in times of strife.
The program was also made possible by partnership donations with Build-A-Bear, Hasbro, Disney, Lego, Funko, and Five Below, WBNS reported.
Toys for Tots delivers an average of 18 million toys to seven million children in need annually. Maj. Bill Hendricks founded the organization in 1947 after his wife suggested the idea.
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