NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT: TOYS FOR TOTS OF INDIANAPOLIS

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity is the fund raising, funding and support organization for the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. The Foundation was created at the behest of the U. S. Marine Corps and provides support in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, who directs the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. The Foundation has supported Toys for Tots since 1991.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

 Toys For Tots serves Indianapolis and 12 other counties. In 2022, we served 49,210 children! We gave toys to nonprofit schools, churches, children’s hospitals, and smaller nonprofit organizations that serve families,” shares Sabrina Young, civilian coordinator of Indianapolis Toys for Tots.

“We have an Amazon wish list, which focuses on toys of diversity and for children with special needs for all ages. We have in the past written a grant to buy some things that were needed for a special play area for special needs children. We have the ability to purchase very specific items that are needed to accommodate children with different needs.”

There is a form for nonprofit organizations to fill out if they need toys. Then, Toys for Tots verifies the area served and helps the nonprofit decide on the type of toys are needed. Toys for Tots collects toys suitable for babies – teenagers.

 Supporting Toys for Tots:

Donation boxes that say “Toys for Tots” can be misleading, because the words do not specify any organization.  These boxes may be collecting toys for a variety of places and customers may believe they are supporting the Marines. Many people may not realize that both the words “Toys for Tots” and the red train are copyrighted by the Marines. Ask the employees specifically if the toys are for the Marine’s Toys for Tots Program. Also, look specifically for the Marine’s logo:

“To donate or learn more, contact indytoysfortots@gmail. com, because the Marine contacts will only respond in November and December due to their schedules,” Sabrina explains.

BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT TOYS FOR TOTS:

• Vincennes University

• Wish TV 8

• Lilly Andy Mohr

• Ollies

• Recycle Force

• Thousands of individuals who donate toys in our boxes.

• Hundreds of businesses that place are boxes in their buildings.

TESTIMONIAL:

“The Toys for Tots program has allowed the IMPD Metro Southwest Community Relations Unit (CRU) to be an amazing benefactor of countless gifts. These gifts have allowed the IMPD MSW CRU to assist hundreds of families, not only throughout the holidays but also during various other IMPD MSW CRU events held during the year. Sabrina continues to think of the IMPD MSW CRU whenever she has available items that can assist the countless events held throughout the year. Without Sabrina and the Toys for Tots program, the IMPD MSW CRU would not be able to help the vast number of families that it does on an annual basis. The bright smiles and hearts touched by Sabrina’s outpouring of love and generosity continue to touch officers and families, daily.”