(NewsNation) — The president and CEO of Toys for Tots says the foundation will continue to accomplish the mission of distributing toys to children despite fewer donations this year.
“We are seeing less toy collections, but we are making up for that with what we call supplemental packages,” retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James B. Laster told “On Balance.”
The supplemental packages Laster refers to include the foundation directly purchasing more toys, then shipping them to its coordinators. The method is a result of higher demand from families hoping for gifts under the Christmas tree.
Asked how many families the foundation will be looking after this Christmas, Laster said they hope to come close to the record 12.9 million children they distributed to in 2024.
“I don’t know if we will do that many this year, but we are going to give it our best shot,” Laster added.
Foundation shows Marines ready to help on home front: Laster
Since 1947, Toys for Tots has delivered gifts to children during the holidays.
“It’s important to show, yes, we can be feared on the battlefield, but we’re also ready to accomplish the mission here at home and take care of our own people, especially children,” he said.
Over the years, Toys for Tots has donated 708 million gifts to 314 million kids in need.
People can support the foundation by donating online, through the mail, by PayPal or crypto/stocks, fundraising and employer gift matching.
