TRIANGLE, Va., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — While February is recognized as “National Random Acts of Kindness” month, Marine Toys for Tots believes kindness knows no monthly boundaries. The Program’s year-round mission embodies this intentional giving philosophy through its “Not So Random Acts of Kindness” initiative – a mission dedicated to delivering hope and joy to children in need year-round.
“Our donors’ consistent and intentional giving throughout 2024 enabled us to achieve a truly unprecedented, unmatched, and remarkable year. The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program delivered over 30 million toys, books, and games to nearly 13 million children in need – a new milestone!” said LtGen Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
As Toys for Tots steps into a new year, their resolve has never been stronger. The Program remains committed to supporting those in need all year long, because they know that needs don’t follow a seasonal timetable. Whether assistance is needed during the holiday season or following a crisis like Hurricane Helene or the California wildfires, Toys for Tots stands ready to help families and children who are facing unimaginable challenges and adversity.
In 2024, thanks to their compassionate and generous supporters, Toys for Tots countered nature’s random brutality with a huge outpouring of kindness. Children who had lost their homes, their belongings, and their sense of security all received a glimmer of hope through our emergency distribution event in Henderson County, North Carolina. In total, over 10,000 toys, books, and games made their way into the hands of 2,600 families.
“I am deeply humbled by the incredible generosity of our supporters. Every donation and every act of kindness strengthens our mission and allows us to reach more disadvantaged children, year after year. Together, we are truly making a difference,” said LtGen Laster.
Just as Toys for Tots gave support to North Carolina families whose lives were turned upside by Hurricane Helene, their Disaster Response and Recovery Initiative will provide comfort and assistance to children and families in communities devastated by the Los Angeles wildfires.
“Los Angeles is where Toys for Tots began 78 years ago, and in response to the wildfires that ravaged our Program’s birthplace, we are assembling and preparing to distribute emotional relief packages through our Disaster Recovery and Response Initiative,” LtGen Laster said.
On February 8th, our partner, Sydney Paige Foundation, organized a distribution event in Pasadena, California, for the children and families who have lost everything in the fires. During this event, 5,000 toys, books, and other gifts—provided by Toys for Tots—were distributed to 2,800 families—bringing much needed hope during a time of tremendous loss.
“The tragic fires in Los Angeles have put countless families in crisis, disrupting their lives and destroying homes. While our hearts ache for those affected, our dedication to assisting those in need remains steadfast,” stated LtGen Laster.
The Program is also providing additional emotional relief packages to our partner, Tackle Hunger, who will distribute the gifts to children and families during another distribution event on February 16th with the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.
The gifts provided by Toys for Tots will offer vital comfort and care to children impacted by these disasters, providing them with hope and a sense of normalcy during their most challenging times.
“While natural disasters may be random, our supporters’ generosity is deliberate and intentional, and millions of children are thankful for that,” said LtGen Laster.
To learn how you can donate or get involved, please visit www.toysfortots.org.
Media Contact:
Ted Silvester
VP Marketing and Development
(703) 649-2021
[email protected]
SOURCE Toys for Tots
