Every year Toys for Tots collects toys for children in need. The program has been around since 1947 and has helped 258 million children!

Disney has a strong history with the organization and their promotions for this year are:

Now through December 15th for every new, unwrapped toy, donated to a Disney Store in the US or Shopdisney.com, Disney will donate $1 to Toys for Tots.

If you don’t have a Disney Store close by you can donate by shopping online as well!

Disney will also donate $1 to Toys For Tots for every Mickey Holiday Train Pin that is purchased through December 24th.

The Walt Disney Company has aided in this program from practically the beginning!

Here’s a bit about the history of the program:

Toys for Tots began in 1947 by Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, but it was his wife, Diane, who inspired him. She made a few dolls and asked him to deliver the toys to a local organization that helped children in need. But when he looked for an organization, he couldn’t find one. She told him to “start one!”

So Major Bill Hendricks, and the Marines in his LA reserve unit, collected and distributed 5,000 toys in 1947. After seeing how much it moved the community and helped others “the Commandant directed all Marine Reserve Sites to implement a TFT campaign transforming it into a national community action program in 1948.”

But how does Walt Disney Come in?

Well Bill Hendrick’s had a civilian job as the Director of Public Relations for Warner Brothers. He happened to be friends with Walt Disney. Walt then designed the first Toys for Tots poster which included a miniature three-car train that was subsequently adopted as the Toys for Tots logo.

Disney has been a large sponsor of Toys For Tots for decades and Walt himself used to showcase the organization on his show Disneyland. After the park opened there were boxes around the park to accept donations.

Personally, Toys for Tots is something we support here at PNP. We have even volunteered to collect toys and help sort toys for the local chapter of the organization. It really matters so donate if you can! There are actually many ways to do so and you can find them HERE. Or you can volunteer.

I think sometimes it’s easy to forget how hard it can be for people this time of year and for one day we can bring some magic to children. Each of us has that power. Let’s use it!

What do you think? Comment and let us know!

Source: Toys For Tots