A single new toy can feel like magic to a child. That is what Toys for Tots is all about: giving hope and holiday joy to kids whose families are going through a tough time.

Run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the program collects new toys and shares them with children in local communities each holiday season. The key rule is simple and important: Unwrapped gifts only. Toys must be new, in their package, and not gift wrapped.

Here is how to help in 2025, even with one small, thoughtful gift.

Toys for Tots started in 1947 and has grown into a nationwide program that brings joy to millions of children each year. The mission is clear: collect new toys and give them to children in need during the holidays so no child feels forgotten at Christmas.

The Marine Corps Reserve and volunteers run local campaigns every year, usually from early November through mid to late December. Community members drop new, unwrapped toys into collection boxes at businesses and events. You can learn more about how these Christmas toy drives work from the official holiday programs overview.

You can support the program by giving toys or by donating money. Financial gifts help buy toys where supplies are short and fill gaps for certain ages.

Local families who are struggling can sign up for help through community partners, such as social service agencies, churches, or nonprofit groups. These partners share information with Toys for Tots so volunteers can match toys to kids by age and general interests.

Children are never treated as charity cases. Volunteers work with care to protect each family’s privacy and dignity. Parents or guardians receive toys so they can give them to their kids themselves, which keeps the moment special and respectful. The goal is simple: spread joy, not pity.

The phrase “Unwrapped gifts only” is not just a suggestion. It protects children and helps volunteers do their work well.

Toys must be:

• New and safe
• In good quality, original packaging if possible
• Unwrapped so volunteers can see what they are

Leaving toys unwrapped lets volunteers check for safety and sort by age and interest. Used toys, wrapped gifts, broken items, or toys that look like real weapons cannot be accepted. This keeps the experience happy and safe for every child.

Holiday campaigns for 2025 will run in communities across the country. You can give in person at Main Street Mower at 12403 W Colonial Dr, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Pick something a child would be excited to open. Good choices include:

• Picture books and chapter books
• Art supplies and craft kits
• Sports balls and outdoor toys
• Dolls and action figures
• Building sets and puzzles

Keep toys age-appropriate and safe. Avoid anything with violent themes or that looks like a real weapon. Remember, the gift should feel fun, kind, and comforting.

When you are ready to donate:

1. Leave the toy in its original package.
2. Do not gift wrap it.
3. Remove or cover the price tag if you can.
4. Place it in an official Toys for Tots collection box.
5. Donate at Main Street Mower at 12403 W Colonial Dr, Winter Garden, FL 34787

If you do not have time to shop, you can still help. The foundation offers many secure ways to explore giving options, including credit card, PayPal, and more. Monetary gifts help purchase toys for age groups that often get fewer donations, such as older kids, and support children in many different communities.

You can also donate in memory or honor of someone special using the program’s tribute contributions page, which is a meaningful way to remember or celebrate loved ones.

A single toy helps. A small group of people can help even more.

Turn your donation into a mini toy drive. Ask family members, neighbors, classmates, or coworkers to each bring one new toy. Collect all the unwrapped gifts only and drop them off together at a local collection site. Even a handful of people can fill a box and brighten many more holiday mornings.

Younger children often receive the most toys. Older kids and teens are sometimes left out. You can balance that by choosing gifts for ages 10 to 12 and up, such as:

• Board games and card games
• Sports gear and apparel
• Craft or DIY kits
• Age-appropriate novels and journals

Keep following the Unwrapped gifts only rule for teen gifts too, so volunteers can match them to the right kids.

Giving to Toys for Tots is a simple way to share hope. Choose a new toy, remember Unwrapped gifts only, and drop it off at Main Street Mower at 12403 W Colonial Dr, Winter Garden, FL 34787

You do not need a big budget to help. One toy, one online donation, or even one conversation with a friend can start a chain of kindness. If this moved you, take one small step today and help a child feel remembered this holiday season.