In 1947, the holiday spirit came to life in a powerful way with the founding of Toys for Tots in Los Angeles, California. It all started when Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and his wife, Diane, decided to brighten the holidays for children in need. Diane had crafted a handmade doll and asked Bill to find an organization to donate it to. When no such group existed, the couple took matters into their own hands—and the first Toys for Tots campaign was born.
That inaugural year, the effort collected over 5,000 toys, all donated by generous individuals in the Los Angeles area. The campaign was such a success that the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve adopted it as a national mission the following year. Since then, Toys for Tots has grown into one of the most recognized and impactful charitable organizations in the United States.
Over the decades, Toys for Tots has distributed millions of toys to children in need, ensuring they have a reason to smile during the holiday season. The program’s symbol—a red toy train—became iconic, along with its heartwarming mission to “deliver hope to less fortunate children.”
Celebrities, businesses, and communities across the country have rallied behind Toys for Tots, holding toy drives, donating funds, and volunteering their time. The charity’s partnership with Disney in 1948 was particularly memorable, as Walt Disney himself designed the program’s first logo featuring a train overflowing with toys.
What makes Toys for Tots truly special is its ability to unite people from all walks of life. From handmade dolls to modern tech toys, the campaign embodies the holiday spirit of generosity and compassion. Every toy donated carries the message that someone cares—a simple but powerful gift for children facing tough times.
