What is Toys-For-Tots, and why is it so meaningful? Toys-For-Tots is a powerful initiative run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that seeks to uplift children in need. Founded in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks, the program was inspired by his wife, Diane Hendricks, who wanted to share a homemade Raggedy Ann doll with a child but found no organization to assist her. This sparked Bill’s visionary idea to create a program that collects and distributes new toys to less fortunate children, ensuring every child can feel the joy of receiving a gift. In its inaugural campaign in Los Angeles, they gathered and shared an astounding 5,000 toys, proving the impact of community spirit. The U.S. Marine Corps recognized the significance of this effort and adopted Toys-For-Tots as a nationwide program in 1948, continuing to inspire hope and happiness in the hearts of children across the nation.
Toys-For-Tots can improve lives, impacting both children and adults. Christos George Toromanides, known as Toro, is a testament to this. As a child, Toro was hospitalized for cancer when a Toys-For-Tots group came to visit, bringing toys and presents for him and other kids. At the time, he didn’t know that the Marine Corps provided the toys, but he felt happy and hopeful as he received them, helping him through his treatment. After completing his treatment and fully recovering, Toro pursued a career in firefighting in Connecticut before eventually joining the Marine Corps. When I asked him what motivated him to enlist, he replied, “I joined because it was the most challenging option, and I wanted to test myself. I also wanted to be part of Toys-For-Tots to make a difference for kids, just as it did for me.” Now, Toro is a Sergeant stationed in Perrysburg, Ohio, and he will serve as the next Coordinator of Toys for Tots starting November 2025.
The Toys-For-Tots organization has transformed the lives of many families and has given both children and adults a sense of joy when receiving gifts. This organization makes a meaningful difference and will continue to thrive in its mission to bring happiness to everyone.
