Eastern Madera County

     As the holiday season begins to draw near, you can be sure that your local Marine Corps League Detachment members are gearing up for the annual Toys For Tots campaign.  Since 1947, Marines have been making Christmas wishes come true for needy children.

     Toys For Tots in the mountain communities makes a difference in the lives of less fortunate children.  We expect the need for toys to be great, and we are asking you for help in our area.

     The Marines work very hard to make Toys For Tots a success, but we could never do it without the help of concerned citizens, schools, churches, and business leaders.  We rely locally for assistance in a number of areas including: providing toy collection sites, assisting in the distribution of toys, and helping to promote Toys For Tots in the media.

     Last year we distributed over 4,263 toys to over 1,018 children.  Our area of responsibility is Eastern Madera County.  We collect toys here and deliver them to the children in our area.  What we collect here stays here.  100% of any money donated is spent in our Toys For Tots effort.

     For the many volunteers who make Toys For Tots possible year after year, Toys For Tots embodies the true spirit of Christmas.  The gift of a shiny new toy - something that most children take for granted - means to a needy child that someone cares, that he or she has not been forgotten, that Christmas has not passed him or her by.

The Marine Corps Reserve and the Marine Corps League are asking you to help send the needy children of our mountain communities a message of hope this Christmas through the gift of a new, unwrapped toy.  Our donation labeled boxes are at over 90 mountain locations from October 15th through December 15th.  Also, look for our attended collection day events in November and December where Marines and volunteers are present to personally thank you and accept your donations. If you wish to make a monetary donation, or have any questions, please contact Toys For Tots coordinator Dennis Osantowski at cell number (970) 209-2099.