R. R. Branstrom Daily Press Volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul in Escanaba sort through donated toys during the 2023 toy drive. St. Vinnie’s is one of several organizations with whom Toys for Tots partners during the holiday season.

ESCANABA — Toys for Tots, a nonprofit public charity directed by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, has been collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in less fortunate homes since 1947.

This year’s collections are underway, with the local chapter servicing Delta and Menominee counties.

Toys for Tots began as the ‘brainchild’ of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and his wife, Diane.

Diane was looking for an agency to donate her handmade dolls to for children in need. Bill searched but to no avail, resulting in a direct order from Diane to start one. Bill did just that, as he and the Marines in his reserve unit in Los Angeles, Calif., collected and distributed 5,000 toys in 1947. Following the success of the program in Los Angeles, all reserve sites were asked to implement a Toys for Tots program, resulting in the formation of a national community action program in 1948.

Bill worked for Warner Brother Studios as a civilian and was well-connected. Walt Disney himself designed the first Toys for Tots poster, which included the three-car toy train that continues to represent the organization today. Celebrities have spoken highly of the program, which helped it gain further traction.

In 1991, Marine Toys for Tots became an IRS-recognized 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit charity.

“The Foundation raises funds, purchases toys, provides promotional and support materials, manages all funds raised and donated, solicits corporate support, educates the public, and handles day-to-day operations,” according to the Toys for Tots website.

In 2023, the Escanaba Toys for Tots distributed 8,500 toys to 1,529 children in need.

John Jamison, coordinator for the branch that operates in Delta and Menominee counties, expects donations to remain about the same this year.

“It’s about the same; it goes up and down,” Jamison said.

He said there are well over 100 participating businesses and organizations within Delta County, including Menards, Nyman Jewelers, Cat-Man-Do’s, L&M Fleet Supply, Walmart, Nirvana Center, Daily Press, Riverside dealerships, Highland Golf Club, Baybank, and many more.

In addition to business partners, Toys for Tots works with a number of community partners to help complete their mission including St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventist, All Saints Church and more.

Jamison wanted to remind the community that the deadline to register to receive toys is right around the corner on Dec. 10, so make sure to submit an application through the website.

“I want to make they put those in by the 10th, because that’s when that form online is going to close so that we can start getting toys together for those families that have requested them,” he explained.

Those accepted by Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul, should refer to their distribution dates for pick-up. Those toy orders will be distributed through their organizations.

Jamison talked about the importance of Toys for Tots, saying every kid should be able to open presents on the day.

“The number one mission is to ensure that no child wakes up Christmas morning without something under the tree,” he said.

He added that while Toys for Tots focuses on Christmas, the organization is here to help year-round should families experience a tragedy or anything of the sort.

“It’s not just during Christmas, we also support families who have had for instance a fire that takes out their home, we also support the local foster closet with toys for kids that are in foster care,” he said.

Toys for Tots will have a float in the upcoming Escanaba Christmas Parade on Friday, so if you would like to donate during the parade, Jamison said they will be able to pick up those donations along the parade route.

To date, Toys for Tots has distributed 677 million toys to 301 million children across the globe.

For more information, visit the local Toys for Tots chapter website at deltameno-mi.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/Default.aspx. Toys for Tots can also be contacted via email at toysfordeltamenominee@toysfortots.org.

Again, the final day to register to receive toys through the online form is on Dec. 10.