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Military Mouse – Toys for Tots

 

TfT boxThe holidays are fast approaching. For Marines across the country, that means a chance to play Santa. White boxes have been set out in malls, shops, offices, and community centers in every town. The goal? To collect new and unwrapped toys for underprivileged children for Christmas.

“Toys for Tots” is a fundraising program created in 1947 with the goal of collecting toys to pass out to underprivileged children across the country. The program was founded by Major Bill Hendricks, an Officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Walt Disney was a big supporter of the program early on, and he created the logo that is still in use today, as well as national advertising campaign posters. Over the years, the program grew to include the support of national businesses, celebrities, and the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In 1995, the Secretary of Defense approved “Toys for Tots” as an official United States Marine Corps activity. The program was also included as an official mission of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

The Walt Disney Company remains a corporate sponsor of “Toys for Tots” to this day. The company donates directly to the program, and generates donations with events like last year’s ‘Limited Time Magic’ Spotlight on “Toys for Tots.”

If you see the little white box as you finish up your holiday shopping, please consider donating to “Toys for Tots.” Your donation can be for any child age 0-12, and any toys are accepted as long as they are new, unopened, and not wrapped. Please note that toys depicting realistic weapons will not be distributed to children. As The Walt Disney Company’s 2014 campaign says: “Every kid deserves a little joy.” Visit the “Toys for Tots” national website  to learn more about how you can #Sharethejoy.

 

(Photo from the author’s personal collection.)

Joshua Shusterman is United States Marine and has been stationed in both North Carolina and Hawaii.  He is an avid Disney fan, and has taken several trips to Walt Disney World® as well as Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and Disneyland® Resort.  He has extensively researched military discount programs and offers from The Walt Disney Company, and loves to spread the word to his fellow service members.  He can be reached on Twitter @JLShusterman or email at JLShusterman@Gmail.com.

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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