The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has been around since 1947, with its inception in the Los Angeles, California area.  The MISSION: to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as gifts to needy children in local communities. The primary GOAL: to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. The OBJECTIVES: to help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable natural resource – our children; to unite all members of our communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

For the past ten years, on a limited basis, a few Marines from the area have been actively helping the “KONY Radio Station” Coins for Kids Program in the Washington County area. The Mission, Goal, and Objectives of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program is  emulated by what “KONY” has done with Coins for Kids.

In February of 2007, Marine Corps League #1270, was established in the Southern Utah area. With membership now over (80) strong and growing, members are dedicated to helping provide service to the Southern Utah area, community events, Wounded Warriors program, and supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

The Marine Corps League, a non-profit organization, nominated and funded Retired GySgt Rick Massey, (Gunny), to attend the Toys for Tots Foundation conference in Washington D.C. in September 2007. With this, the Southern Utah area now has an official Toys for Tots Coordinator.

The Toys for Tots and Coins for Kids work Hand in Hand as “A TEAM EFFORT” to support the needy children of the Washington County area.

In addition, the Toys for Tots Coordinator is reaching out to make contacts in Iron County and Kane County areas to help support and assist the needy children of those areas.

Click here to visit the Coins for Kids Website.