Toys for Tots is the Marine Corps' premier community action program, one of the nation's flagship charitable endeavors, an American tradition and a national treasure. For over half of a century, Marines have been the unchallenged leaders in looking after needy children at Christmas. The Toys for Tots message of hope for the future has motivated youngsters to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Toys for Tots has earned the distinction as a program which plays an important role in helping youngsters emerge from a background of poverty to adulthood as assets to society. Toys for Tots not only benefits children, but also has a positive impact on communities, on businesses - large and small, on the Marine Corps and on the nation. Toys for Tots is one vehicle for addressing the issue of poverty among children.

According to child psychologists, mentoring is the most effective means of making a positive impact on the development of children. However, today's overtaxed mentoring projects are able to reach only a small percentage of the millions of needy children. We must, therefore, pursue alternatives to build/restore self-esteem among needy children, and give them hope for the future. Moreover, since children imitate the actions of their elders, children should be exposed to positive role models. Americans from every walk of life can join the Toys for Tots team and be an active participant in the development of our children. The challenge: be a participator, not a spectator. Just do your part to assist in the development of today's children so they will grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders for the future. You will be helping children, your community and your nation. Your action today will help produce leaders for tomorrow. Help us "make a difference".