Collecting Toys for Tots

How Many of These Toys for Tots Posters Do you Remember?

DIANE AND BILL - The Toys for Tots Story
In the Fall of 1947, Diane, wife of Marine Reservist Major Bill Hendricks handed him the Raggedy Ann doll she just made. She told Bill to give it to an organization for less fortunate children since, after World War II, many children were left without fathers. Bill and Diane had no children so she wanted a needy child to have it for Christmas. Bill discovered there were no such organizations so Diane told him he should start one and he DID! As a result, Toys for Tots was born.
The first campaign was run by Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collecting 5,000 toys that year. It was so successful that the concept was officially adopted in 1948 by the Marine Corps and expanded nationwide.
Major Bill Hendricks was the Public Relations Director for Warner Brothers Studios and a Marine Reservist on the weekends. He was able to bring visibility and gain celebrity support for Toys for Tots. Many celebrities are strong supporters to this day along with First Lady Michelle Obama and former First Lady Laura Bush.
In 1991, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was started and has been the fundraising and support organization for the program. Toys for Tots was approved by the Secretary of the Defense as an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve. Later, Toys for Tots was authorized to select local civilians to conduct toy collection and distribution campaigns in communities throughout the country.
The signature symbols of Toys for Tots are a United States Marine in a Dress Blue Uniform, a Raggedy Ann Doll and the Red Three Car Train logo designed by Walt Disney in 1948. Walt Disney also designed the first Toys for Tots poster used to promote the nationwide program from 1948-1989. Take a look at the posters used throughout the years. You just might remember one growing up. I know I remember a few. The Marine Corps has now officially adopted the poster used in 1992, 2004 and again in 2008. Toys for Tots has enjoyed 67 years of success thanks to the support of millions of caring Americans. Since 1947, more than 400 million toys have been distributed to children. In 2011 alone, 15.6 million toys were distributed to 7.2 million children.
A Toys for Tots campaign for new, unwrapped toys up to age 12 is currently running in the City of Rye through December 18th. These toys will be distributed to needy and sick children throughout Westchester County.
The approved Toys for Tots drop off center for Rye and surrounding communities is the William Raveis Real Estate Office located at 78 Purchase Street in Rye. So, please stop in and they will gladly accept your donation. And of course, please feel free to Maria Mantis directly at 914-525-9472 with any questions or ideas for a Toys for Tots fundraising event! Thank you. ‪ Visit William Raveis Rye Office Facebook to see all the poster pictures