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Frequently Asked Questions
A. What is Toys for Tots?
B. What can I do to help Toys for Tots?
C. What if I want to volunteer to help?
D. Where can I drop off toys?
E. Where can I drop off old bikes?
F. What must I do to be a drop off location?
G. What must I do to claim my donation on my
taxes?
What is Toys for Tots?
...............In 1947, Major
Bill Hendricks – with the support of members of his Los Angeles Marine Corps
Reserve unit – collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Bill’s
program was so successful that in 1948, the Marine Corps adopted it and
expanded it nationwide as the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots
Program. In the intervening years, Marines have conducted more than 50 successful
campaigns, collecting and distributing over 243,250,000 toys.
...............The program has enjoyed the support of an array of notable
Americans. Walt Disney designed the logo. Nat “King” Cole and Peggy Lee
recorded the Toys for Tots song. Bob hope, John Wayne, Brooke Shields, Johnny
Carson, and Garth Brooks are but a few of the long list of celebrities who
have used their time and talent to promote Toys for Tots. First Lady Barbara
Bush served as the honorary national chairperson in 1992, and in her autobiography
named Toys for Tots as one of her favorite charities.
...............Today, Toys for Tots is the Marine Corps’ premier community
relations program. To many Americans, Christmas isn’t complete without the
image of uniformed Marines collecting and distributing toys to needy children
of their communities. Distributing an average of 8,000,000 toys annually to
over 4,000,000 needy children. Marine Corps Reserve Units located throughout
the nation conduct toy collection and distribution campaigns in the
communities near their Reserve Centers each year. Campaigns begin in October
and last until December 22nd. Caring Americans drop off new, unwrapped toys
at collection receptacles located in local businesses. Marines pick up, sort,
and store these toys in a central warehouse. As Christmas nears, Marines
distribute toys to social welfare agencies for distribution to needy children
prior to Christmas Day.
...............While Marines organize, coordinate, and manage the program,
the ultimate success depends on the support of the local community and the
generosity of the people who donate toys.
...............Local business leaders play a key role by allowing Marines to
locate collection receptacles in their stores; by providing free warehouse
space during October, November, and December for sorting and storing toys; by
providing vehicles to collect toys from collection sites; by sponsoring toy
raising events; and by helping Marines receive maximum media exposure for
Toys for Tots.
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What can I do to help Toys for Tots?
...............Donate a toy to
your local USMC Reserve Unit. By checking the Wichita Toys for Tots website
at www.wichitat4t.org you will find a list of local drop off locations. You
are also welcome to call either of the Coordinators listed on the homepage
for assistance.
...............Donate your time to help the local Marines. By donating your
time, you will assist the Marines in sorting the toys, by age group, prior to
distribution of toys to the families.
...............Donate service support to the Marines by becoming a drop off
location, donating warehouse space, providing transportation assistance or
media exposure.
...............Make a tax-deductible donation – You can donate money to Toys
for Tots, which will be used to buy toys. Money can be donated in different
ways at either the local or national level. Money donated at the national
level will be used to support the Toys for Tots program nationwide. Money
donated locally will be used to support the local program. To donate at the
national level, checks or money orders can be made payable to Marine Toys for
Tots Foundation and mailed to: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, P.O. Box 1947,
Marine Corps Base, Quantico,
VA 22134.
If you would like to make a donation via the web, www.toysfortots.org has a link allowing you to do just that. To donate
locally, checks or money orders should be made payable to Toys for Tots and
mailed to: Toys for Tots, 3026
George Washington Blvd, Wichita,
KS 67210.
Local units are not setup to accept donations via credit cards, although
credit card donations can be made via the link mentioned above.
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What if I want to volunteer to help?
...............By donating
your time, you will assist the Marines in sorting the toys, by age group,
prior to distribution of toys to the families. If you would like to sign up
to volunteer, call either of the Coordinators listed on the homepage at www.wichitat4t.org.
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Where can I drop off used bicycles?
...............Bicycles are
the only item Marines in Wichita
distribute that is not required to be new. Each year the Bicycle Pedaler has
been gracious enough to assist in the refurbishing of these bicycles. It is
suggested that people wishing to donate used bicycles contact either of the
Coordinators listed on the Wichita Toys for Tots homepage (www.wichitat4t.org) or call the Bicycle Pedaler at 685-4545 prior to
dropping of used bicycles.
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What must I do to be a drop off
location?
...............To be a drop
off location for Toys for Tots, simply call one of the Coordinators listed on
the Wichita Toys for Tots homepage (www.wichitat4t.org) and they will take care of you.
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What must I do to claim my donation on
my taxes?
...............A donor does
not need a special letter for tax purposes unless he/she makes a donation of
money, toys, or services valued at $250.00 or more. For donations less than
$250.00 a canceled check or store/business receipt is acceptable for IRS
purposes. For donations of $250.00 or more that are sent to the Foundation
and the Foundation is provided the name and address of the donor, the
Foundation will automatically forward a letter of receipt for the tax records
of the donor.
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