Your Help, Their Hope: Marine Toys for Tots Expands Its Mission Beyond the Holidays to Support Disadvantaged Children Year-Round

TRIANGLE, Va., April 10, 2025 -- For 77 years, Marine Toys for Tots has been delivering joy and comfort to children in need during the holiday season. But for millions of children facing hardship throughout the year, the organization's mission extends beyond Christmastime—because needs aren't seasonal. Through impactful, year-round programs and the generosity of their supporters, 'Your Help, Their Hope' is a powerful reminder that together, we can be a force for good and source of hope for children in need across the Nation.  

Since 1947, the renowned Program has distributed 708 million toys, books, and other gifts to 314 million deserving children, creating moments of happiness and relief for families facing economic hardships.

"That is the power of our year-round programs and the impact of our supporters," said LtGen Jim Laster, President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "We can support millions more children each year – delivering hope to those who so desperately need a reason to believe in a brighter future."

Year-Round Programs Making a Lasting Difference

Toys for Tots has broadened its reach to support children whose families are facing adversity—whether enduring personal hardships, recovering from community-wide natural disasters, or navigating systemic challenges that persist over time.  These programs reflect Toys for Tots' unwavering commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by children in vulnerable circumstances:

• Literacy Program: Provides books and educational resources to children in low-income communities, empowering them with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed—in the classroom and beyond.
  
  
• Disaster Response and Recovery Program: Distributes toys, books, and other gifts to children whose families have lost everything in the wake of natural disasters. Once critical necessities have been delivered—Toys for Tots provides emotional relief and comfort in the form of toys, books, and other gifts—and turns despair into hope.
  
  
• Foster CareProgram: Provides essential resources to support children navigating the complexities of the Foster Care System—reducing anxiety while bringing stability, comfort, and a sense of belonging to their lives.
  
  
• Holiday Program: Toys for Tots' cornerstone program continues to brighten the holidays by distributing toys, books, and games to disadvantaged children nationwide—including those in remote Native American communities where no local campaign exists.

"Toys for Tots' year-round programs are a testament to our unwavering commitment that no child is ever forgotten," added LtGen Laster. "'Your Help, Their Hope' is more than a tagline – it's the promise that fuels our mission every day."

Join the Mission

With the continued generosity of supporters, Marine Toys for Tots can remind children that they are not forgotten no matter the time of year—providing hope, comfort, and joy whenever they are needed most.

To learn more about their year-round programs—or to donate and help deliver hope at Christmastime and beyond – please visit www.toysfortots.org.

Media Contact:
Ted Silvester               
VP Marketing and Development
(703) 649-2021
[email protected]

SOURCE Toys for Tots