History
Toys For Tots began in 1947 through the vision of a Marine Corps Reserve unit in Los Angeles, CA (trivia fact: the logo was designed by none other than Walt Disney!). It is probably one of the most recognizable charities in the United States. Simply put, the mission of Toys For Tots is to provide toys for needy children during the Christmas season or whenever the occasion calls for it. For nearly 50 years, the Marine Corps Reserve handled the operations of the Toys For Tots program.
In 1991, during the Desert Shield/Storm deployment, the Marine Corps Reserve’s ability to operate the program was severely impacted and USMC leadership realized that a change was needed if the program was to survive. At the request of the Marine Corps, a 501.C.3 organization named the Toys For Tots Foundation was created and given the task of operating the program.
Over the past 30 years, due to force restructuring, drawdowns, and military operations, the Marine Corps Reserve has gradually diminished its participation in the program so that presently only a handful of USMCR units still participate in the annual collection and distribution of toys, consistent with their operational schedule.
Present Day
Today, the program is operated by the Foundation, who depends primarily upon the volunteer efforts of the Marine Corps League and Marine Corps League Auxiliary, as well as other community service organizations in locations where there is no Marine Corps League detachment.
The Marine Corps League detachment 890 is proud to serve in this capacity in the Winchester, VA area and five adjacent Virginia counties. Click on the link below to see more about our participation in this worthy program.
https://winchestervamcl.org/marine-corps-league-det-890-toys-for-tots/