Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots 

This year marks the 62nd Anniversary for the National Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which United Way coordinates locally.  The goal of the program is to receive donations of new, unwrapped toys to distribute to needy children ranging from infants to 12 years old in the Grand Cities Area.  In 2009, 199 families with 535 qualified for the program to receive a toy.  All of these families were referred by United Way partner agencies, Head Start, Grand Forks, Couny Social Services or the school system.  Local charitable organizations that received toys included the Prairie Harvest Foundation, Grand Forks Mission, CVIC, St Vincent DePaul, and the YMCA.  Every child deserved a toy and the community responded to the need and each of the children received a special toy at Christmas.

It is a great feeling to see the number of families that come through the program with different reactions ranging from tears to smiles as they find that “perfect” toy for their child.  This allows for all children to have hope and experience the joy of Christmas, while motivating them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens, and community leaders.  Thanks to the community’s response to help make sure that every child left with a toy and a smile!

With donations from the public, we hope to continue to provide a toy for each child in need this year.  If you would like to make an online contribution, please use the Buy Now! button below or toys may be dropped at the United Way Office or one of the 2009 collection sites:

For more information on the National Toys for Tots program visit http://www.toysfortots.org.