The holidays are full of festivity and spending time with the people we love, but I also make sure that it is a time when my family and I are giving back. We started a tradition a few years ago where we go Black Friday shopping every year and load up carts to donate for Toys for Tots. It’s something I’m passionate about as I believe that every child should experience the magic of Christmas. This year is no different!
We are heading tomorrow to stock up more toys for the toys for tots and want you to be involved. I have some wishlists that I put together so you can send some toys.
Who are Toys For Tots
Toys for Tots is an organization that has been around since the 90s but for those who are unfamiliar with their work, here is an overview of their mission and why I am so passionate about it!
Their mission: Through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s economically disadvantaged children.
The program is directed by the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, with the assistance of his staff from the Marine Forces Reserve so it is also a way to support the armed forces and their initiatives. Local campaigns are conducted annually in 800 communities across all 50 states! Local toy collection campaigns begin in October and last until mid to late December. Toy distribution also takes place mid to late December. Coordinators pick up these toy donations and store them in central warehouses where the toys are sorted by age and gender. At Christmas, Coordinators, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other local community agencies, distribute the toys to the economically disadvantaged children of the community.
This is a beautiful program that makes sure no kid wakes up on Christmas without finding something they love under the tree. I am fortunate to be able to give my kids a fun Christmas morning, and I am always so excited to be able to donate to this incredible organization so that other kids can feel that holiday joy!
How You Can Get Involved
Another reason I enjoy this toy drive every year is because I get to involve this community we have built! You have the opportunity to participate in our annual tradition by purchasing gifts from these wishlists online.
You can purchase and donate these gifts in your own communities if Toys for Tots is active in your area, or you can ship them to our warehouse here and we can include them in our donation to our community in Kentucky. If you’d like to ship it to our warehouse you can send it to:
323 Mitch Mcconnell Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Even one small purchase can make a difference in a child’s life this holiday season!
Giving time and resources during the Christmas season fills our lives with so much more joy and I am so grateful for organizations like Toys for Tots for making giving back so accessible. Be sure to follow along on socials so you can see the impact our community makes this year with the toy drive. I hope you have a wonderful season with the people you love. I’m certainly grateful for my family and this Christmas tradition. Happy Holidays!
