Marine Toys For Tots

I love this Charity. Our local Toys for Tots drive in Virginia is highly organized. The quality of donated gifts is high, but I imagine that varies across the country in different economic sectors. No matter the location, every single volunteer works selflessly over the holidays, giving their time to ensure that of the donations, appropriate gifts are distributed to kids in need. The local volunteers are what make Toys for Tots and the distribution centers so great. Of course, these are community based volunteers and distribution centers, so you will have variations across the country. But all in all these are selfless, hardworking volunteers giving their time to do nice things for kids in need.

THEY DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I have nothing but good things to say about TFT! Me and my children have fallen on hard times, and TFT blessed us abundantly! We've never had to use anything like this until, this year! My husband threw me and our children out a couple months ago, and I honestly was clueless how I'd pull Christmas off this year! TFT is a true blessing! I hope by this time next year, I'm able to donate! It's only up from here! Thanks for everything! My children ages (5&7) will be so excited Christmas morning! I'm beyond thankful! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Having been a former Marine myself, I have always helped donate to Marine Toys for Tots. But I continue to donate, not because of my previous military service, but because of the charity's commitment to help in the community. They are driven, kind, and ensure that donations get to those it would most help. I trust their staff, their efforts, and their charitable commitment.

This is the first year I had to apply for toys for tots for my 3 children and as a single mother going through a bankruptcy I really needed the help and I’ve never asked for this kind of help before. So I definitely was excited for my kids and had high expectations since it seems organized. So I go to the drop off site and they were a bit behind which wasn’t a big deal besides it being cold. But to my surprise when they finally got to my name I go up and grab the bad and signed the paper, when I got back to my car there were two items inside. Mind you I applied for 3 kids and it had 3 kids on the paper but two items? Not even a 3rd which would have been fine and enough but just 2 and before as I’m watching other parents come up grabbing full bags and thinking wow I’m so happy for them and their children. And I get mine….. I don’t want to sound greedy but I was by all means disappointed. I just want my kids to have a good Christmas. And I thought well maybe they will call my name again but thinking against it because the woman said once you get your bag you can get out of the cold and go home. And that’s what I did. I went home dreading what I’m going to do for Christmas.

I learned about this organization through my past employer, a non profit agency who supports families of children with disabilities. We once received loads of toys in King County and they were all amazing toys, the process was easy and our clients received more than one age appropriate toy for each child. This year I applied for toys, I thought I could use some help this X-mas due to financial hardship. The application gives you the option to write specific toys preferences, etc. so I had pretty high expectations because of this and my past experience with toys for tots. However, I drove 30 mins to my “appointment” expecting to pick up the toys which I thought the volunteers would pre-select for each child, doing their best effort based on the application but it was a completely different experience. I’m not sure if this was a first come first serve type of situation, but that was not stated anywhere in the notifications I received. Plus, the only few options I could choose from were somewhat decent toys (but leftovers) not age appropriate at all and I could only select one per child. I didn’t want to come across rude or ungrateful but it seemed like a joke. The people helping at the Spanaway Assembly of God were really nice and again, I’m not sure if I should’ve showed up earlier or if this location simply received bad toys OR if the good toys were reserved for certain families ??? Who knows but I feel let down for sure.

One of my very favorite charities. Who doesn't love giving toys to this organization? These tough Marines bringing smiles to children who may not otherwise have a Christmas. My family donates every year... It is a tradition that we have taught our children since they were born.

I've collected and seen them distribute through a huge volunteer network for many of my 64 years, been a recipient as a giver,.. well as a Harley rider in many events over my lifetime. God Blessed the USA,.. and this Marine charity.

The Marines Toys for Tots is a very good charity in my opinion and they make it easy to donate around christmas time with donation drop boxes in several locations throughout my area.

Great charity ensuring every kid gets toys for Christmas. Thousands of households utilize this organization. Volunteered one year and then realized how important this service is. Recommend everyone volunteer. A+++

I participated in the organization drive for toys for tots. This was a great experience. It made me happy thinking I could have the possibility of bringing happiness to other families.

For three years now, I've had to rely on Toy's for Tots. The first year, I chalked up the McDonalds happy meal toys along with quarter machine toys that were given and was grateful to others having a hard year as well. Because I see all the great toys donated at the Toys for Tots centers and thought ok, maybe I just got a bad batch. Last year, I again received used toys, which I donated back, and didn't bother with a tree or decorations. Again, this year, my bag was filled with McDonald's happy meal toys, used dolls missing shoes with writings all over them, and a few $0.25 machine items, temp tattoos , etc. I'm grateful for anything given, but if you are going to take the time to choose a name to donate to, then feel it's ok to give toys that are used, bought from happy meals, or from bubble gum machines, don't bother. I asked for help to make their Christmas magical, or at least worth putting a tree up for, although they know the real meaning. This time of year is magical to children, but to receive happy meal toys etc., no thanks. I'd rather receive nothing to give them what Toys for Tots has been giving. Just so you know, I met someone that works within the company a few years ago and the over abundance of DECENT toys she gave my children after the season was over was amazing. I thought, well my goodness, why are these all left over toys? And because of that, when struggling these past few years, along with seeing the awesome toys that were donated, it blows my mind that happy meal toys and quarter machine toys, used books, dolls with stains and missing parts, were all part of the 5-6 items donated per child for my 2 child family home. So glad I didn't put up a tree again this year and told my children Santa is still scared of Covid, and now the flu and rsv, and that's the reason for no celebration this year. How humiliating to even ask for help, but then to go to wrap presents and they are nothing but trash, so much more humiliating carrying that black trash bag home with excitement and joy in my own heart, just to be disappointed. Where are all those good toys I saw in the Toys For Tots boxes going? Back to the stores for a refund? Please, PLEASE, tell those who are willing to 'donate', to not donate used toys. Or quarter machine toys. Or happy meal toys. Don't donate at all if this is all you have to offer. Maybe it's a social thing to make them feel better amongst their peers. If you are going to brag, make sure to let them know you are donating trash first...😞

First year applying for toys- I usually donate every year but this year I needed some help. I drove 35 mins from baltimore county to baltimore city for the pick up location. Waited from 5:30-8:30 pm with my 2 1/2 year old in the car he slept most of the time but woke up after two hours and a half so then I had to deal with a cranky toddler who had been in the car way too long. When I got to the front they told me have a goodnight and I responded I didn’t get anything yet. I was asked to sign a piece of paper I couldn’t read in the dark and given a white trash bag that had two items inside. When I got home I couldn’t have been more upset and disappointed. I waited three hours for baby toys. Items that were for a 6 months old. A foam block that was from the dollar store and a book. 3 hours. Wow

I waited from 9-5 at my drop off address. Plus had someone at my new address. No show so I emailed them. At 9pm I get a phone call saying they were here. The lady was very rude to me. Then go to open my door and the bad was thrown at my door and the girl said nothing and ran down the steps. So we received 4 presents. 2 which got broken when the bag was tossed at my door. And the other 2 were for summer. I am beyond devastated I will NEVER request help from toys for tots again. My son has a total of 2 Christmas presents now and had to explain to him what happened and why he will have to wait for more gift the beginning of next month. My heart is broken over this. I really hope No one else experiences this unprofessional behavior. God bless

My mother went tonight to go to pick up my sister's presents. She stood in line for two hours for two things. A set of stuffed monkeys that came from the dollar store and a purse that looked like something an old lady would carry. Neither of these things being something my 10 year old sister would use. My mom was signed up and there on time and there was people walking out of there with two bikes and helmets and a bag full of toys also. Toys for tots does not make anything fair for these kids. Were not the type to complain or be ungrateful but theres plenty of kids in need this year. Why do something big for one family and not make it fair? That's absolutely wrong.

I signed up for Toys for Tots this year for my child. I think this the worst charity program in Baltimore county. The organization who runs the program only give toys to who they want. It was so unorganized. You stood in line for 2 hours with your kids just to go inside of a door that the call by last initials so people who were in line behind you comes forward. The organization gave the good toys to who they wanted to. Also whoever complained they got nasty with because they were not treating people fairly. They decided this year to let their kids pick out the toys for the kids of people they didn't know in which they picked whatever they saw first without a care in the world for the kids they were going to. At the end I ended up spending 4 hours at the establishment and it was a complete waste of my time. The chief's son gave ma a bag with three little toys in which I got home and my one year old can't even play with sand or play dough.

Out of all those donations my 1 year old son god I item which was a box of tiny LEGO’s which is something he could choke on and a stuffed animal!!! I really believe the people giving out the toys or making those bags are keeping items for themselves because it’s no way I stood in that long line for 1 items!! This was in Baltimore ,Md and I’m highly upset about!Of course my kids already had things this was just to add to what I had already brought.My daughter got like 4 cheesy items to the point when I left there I went back to Walmart and spent about 200 more dollars!!!This was just a waste of gas and time!!

I signed up toys for tots this year because I honestly need help getting my daughter a few things. On the web site it clearly said to age 14. I received a conformation email telling me the day and time to pick her toy up. So that Mon the 16th came I stood in the line outside early. It was freezing out. Because it's nj .I made it inside gave the lady my and my daughters info she said I couldn't get anything .because she's 13 I was so hurt I said she just turned 13 she said we only have donations for 12year olds.. I almost cried.

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. First time trying since i was in desperate need. Application was submitted back in October of 2022 for December of 2022. It was the day for us to pick up our bags and come to find out when I pulled up I had a sheriff yelling at me “ it’s closed! You should have received an email. NO MORE TOYS.” Let alone this event opened up at 9:30am and I had got there at 10:40am! I was turned away with no apology no explanation nothing!!! I was told I was going to still hear from them and NEVER did

It was like they gave us trash and a quick walk throug Dollar General. Fruit snacks. A used stuffed animal that was ruined. Some cheap toy tablet with Chinese writing on it. Two packs of UNO cards. Four dolls for my ten month old. Yet inside there was a bunch of brand new bicycles, an electric car thing, etc. Bet those aren't going to any of the real applicants.

This is my second time I have registered my daughter to receive toys. The first time she had a wonderful Christmas I had received a bag full of toys but this years I waited for more than an hour, had people cut in front just to receive 3 toys. A pet toy and the doll that is stain. I am disappointed .

This year has been one of the worst experience I have ever had with Toys for Tots. I signed up in October and on my application I specifically asked for bikes for my grandkids and was first told they ran out and then I was told the Carrollton Georgia location wasn't allocated to get any bikes this year. I am a working grandmother and my grandkids father who is my son is incarcerated so the Toys for Tots really used to help. No only did they not have the bikes they didn't give me anything for my grandson. My question is we're is all of the toys being sent. Something is not right for sure.

I was asking to sign up my 12 and 14 year old. I was belittled and made to feel like I was trash to ask for help. When I just told them forget it and delete my application they then said I done this because they asked for documentation. I have documentation, the birth certificates and anything they needed to prove I was mom and their ages. THEY DID THIS BECAUSE I TOLD THEM I WOULD LET EVERYONE SEE A COPY OF THEIR EMAILS. I HAVE WROTE THE MAIN TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM HEADQUARTERS AND I HAVE WROTE TO ALL PLACES WORKING WITHEM SUCH AS LIFETIME.

I typically buy batteries in help for this charity. That way when toys are donated, they have the batteries to give with them.

The Marines have been at Toys for Tots since before I was born! Their dedication to country and to helping children is most valued.

I have two full boxes of toys that they never came to pick up after several calls made to them. I'm sure some children didn't get much because of their negligence. I suggest finding a better organization.

Signed up on first day of registration and still got turned back.. Lady in Conroe TX was so rude.. Never received an emails or call back for my kids toys.. Very disappointed, now my kids will be without presents.. Thank you toys for tots!

The school my grandkids go to, signed them up for your program and said y'all would be delivering them some toys Christmas morning" today" and y'all didn't show up and they didn't have a very good Christmas. For that I will never give to and I will tell everyone I know what kind of program y'all run.

I play in a golf outing every year that donates all of the proceeds to Toys for Tots. I think what they do is for a great cause.

They support the community needs and we appreciate helping them.

I always love to support Toys for Tots whenever I can because they make helping others so easy!