For over 75 years, the United States Marine Corps Reserves Toys For Tots Foundation has been working to fulfill its annual mission to bring the Joy of Christmas to economically disadvantaged children. Last year, we were able to distribute 2,833 toys to 1,605 children in St Landry, Acadia, and Evangeline Parishes alone- excluding Lafayette, St Martin, Iberia, and Vermillion Parishes. I want to stress to potential donors that they are helping give children more than just a toy, and they are giving a child the gift of inclusion. We are trying to build off the foundation laid by last year's campaign in the Tri-Parish area, as we are picking up more schools and towns that were previously underserved, due to deadlines and lack of public awareness. As rural Acadiana has become aware of the attention they are receiving now, the need has grown. We are hopeful that by continuing to disseminate information about our program we will ensure less children go without on Christmas morning.We still need donations of new, unopened toys that can be dropped off at the sites listed in the link below, but are also open to monetary donations that can allow us to "shop" for toys locally and through wholesale distributors, allowing us to address shortages in certain age/gender groups.Any business or organization can register to be an officially recognized drop-off site at the following link:This year, due to the lack of volunteer personnel and logistical challenges faced last year, we will be unable to display online applications for families to request toys, but we will have paper applications available at several agencies working with us at the following locations listed at:Additionally, we will start doing weekly local sponsor highlights on our Facebook page at:For more information regarding the Lafayette territory, please visit:
Toys for Tots 2024
