Photo: Redwood TfT.

You know about Toys for Tots, right? They’re the super-cool program of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve devoted to getting Christmas gifts to kids who might not otherwise get any.

Here in Humboldt, we’ve got the Redwood branch of the Toys for Tots program, and they’ve been doing this great work for kids in Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties for many years now. They are great.

Problem: Right now, they’re in need of more volunteers to help collect and organize donations in advance of the Christmas season. If you’re the kind of person who cares about the mission and might find some meaning in this truly beautiful, joyous work, they would love to hear from you. Plus, you get to meet and hang out with some like-minded people. 

Here’s where you can sign up.

And here’s Redwood Toys for Tots’ call to action:

Toys for Tots, a 78-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides emotional support and hope to children in need during Christmastime. The toys, books, and other gifts collected and distributed during the holiday season by Marines and volunteers offer these children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. We believe it is such experiences that help children in need become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.

Quick Facts:

  • Our local chapter serves Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte Counties
  • Last year we served 10,000 kids
  • Our chapter is 100% volunteer run which means that 100% of monetary donations goes to local kids. This also means we really need help! :)
  • Volunteer shifts needed: 10AM-4PM SAT/SUN through Dec 14 weather permitting at either Costco or Target
  • What you’ll do? Hold up a Toys for Tots sign and collect monetary donations from people driving by and any toy donations as well. Free lunch, Christmas music, spread joy!

This is our biggest call right now but we also need volunteers at our warehouse to sort toys by age group, organize, move boxes, and drive a forklift if experienced.

Another challenge we face is making sure parents sign up to receive toys through our website! This way we know how many kids of each age group to prepare for at each distribution location. Many parents show up the day of which leaves us driving all over the county to make sure we have the appropriate toys in each location.

To sign up to volunteer, receive a gift, or donate go to redwoodtoysfortots.org.