The Suburban Collection will be collecting new, unopened, unwrapped toys between December 1 - 16 for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. You can donate a toy at one of our Southeast Michigan locations listed below, which will be distributed to local children in need by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at Christmas.
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve is to distribute the donated toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Their primary goal is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. The objective is to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable resources [children]; but also to unite all members of local communities in a common cause each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign.
Toys for Tots History and Facts:
- Toys for Tots began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The idea came from Bill's wife, Diane who crafted a doll and asked him to deliver it to an organization that would give it to needy children at Christmas. Bill determined that no agency existed. Diane told Bill that he should start one, and he did.
- In 1948, Walt Disney designed the Toys for Tots logo which we use today. He also designed the first Toys for Tots poster used to promote the nationwide program.
- From 1947 - 1979, Marines collected and distributed both new and used toys. Reserve Marines would refurbish the used toys on Reserve drill weekends during October, November, and December. From Christmas 1980 through present Marines collect and distribute only new toys.
