The holiday season is a time for giving, and there’s no better way to make a child smile than to donate to Toys for Tots. If you are in the Washington DC metropolitan area and feeling generous in giving season, the district’s Toys for Tots program has more than 400 local donation sites, as well as several volunteer opportunities on site. The program runs every year from mid-October to early December. Those wishing to donate toys should note that all toys must be brand new, unwrapped and preferably around the price range of $ 10 or more.
Any individual, business or organization can run a toy drive or donate individually. Below is all the information you need to participate in this incredible annual program.
History of children’s toys
Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 when US Marine Corps Commander Bill Hendricks and a group of Los Angeles Marine Reservists collected and distributed 5,000 toys to children in need for Christmas. In 1948, the program expanded and became a national campaign.
In 2016, Toys for Tots collected more than 5.3 million toys valued at $ 65.5 million. That year also marked the eighteenth consecutive year that the Toys for Tots Foundation earned a spot on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s “Philanthropy 400” list. Out of 1.9 million IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charities in the United States, Toys for Tots ranks at number 97.
Toys for Tots Donation Locations
With so many donation sites in the district area including locations in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, Toys for Tots makes it easy for local residents to donate toys. Of course, monetary gifts are also welcome.
How to order toys
To request a toy, contact your local campaign coordinator by visiting the website. It is strongly recommended that you submit your request as soon as possible, as the request for toys is generally greater than the number of donated toys. Toys for Tots would love to provide toys to everyone in need, however they cannot guarantee that they will be able to fulfill all requests received.
How to become a local campaign coordinator
Marine Forces Reserve leads the activities of local Toys for Tots coordinators who work with a wide range of social welfare agencies, religious groups and other organizations to collect and distribute toys to needy children in the community where the local campaign.
To be a successful Toys for Tots coordinator, you must have excellent communication skills, familiarity with the local area, a strong work ethic, and excellent organizational skills. Attendance at the annual training is mandatory for all newly appointed local representatives and any coordinator who has not participated in an official training session in the last 5 years. This conference is essential for the education and training of a local coordinator and will prepare everyone for the challenges that lie ahead.
For more information on the roles of a coordinator, and applying to become one, please visit the Corner Coordinators website.
How to volunteer in person
Each fall, volunteers are needed to help with the collection and sorting of toys, as well as to help with live local events, including golf tournaments, foot races, and bike races. If you would like to volunteer for one of the public events, call the Washington DC Toys for Toys event coordinator at 202-433-3152 / 0001.
