Flagstaff Community Toys For Tots

Flagstaff Community Toys for Tots

In 1995, a small band of former active duty Marines in Flagstaff under the direction of Mr. Hal Jensen, organized a Marine Corps League detachment with the primary purpose of developing a local Marine Toys for Tots program specifically for children in need in our community.  Little did they know that in a few years the local program they organized would grow to the size that it is today. 

Today, Flagstaff Marine Toys for Tots is one of more than 800 units nationwide.  It is supported locally by the Marine Corps League-San Francisco Peaks Detachment and Marine League Charities of Flagstaff and the generous support of local businesses and individuals and an army of volunteers.  The Flagstaff Toys for Tots mission is clear . . . to collect, purchase and distribute toys to children in need in Northern Arizona during the holiday season. 

One hundred percent of funds received are used to accumulate, purchase and distribute toys per the requirements of the national Toys for Tots Foundation. 

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity is the fundraising, 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. At least 97% of funds received nationwide go to purchasing toys for children in need. 

The Local Impact (Flagstaff, AZ during 2018):

21,613 Toys Distributed

10, 620 Children Supported

 It’s that time of year again, and those familiar Toys for Tots collection boxes are starting to appear in offices and stores all over town! For the 2019 holiday season, this all-volunteer organization expects to distribute toys to over 10,000 deserving local boys and girls. Many of these toys will be collected in local drop boxes, so every donation of a new, unwrapped toy is greatly appreciated. But what few people realize is that almost 85% of all toys distributed in Northern Arizona are actually purchased rather than donated. That’s why cash donations are so important, as well. And 98% of all cash contributions go directly to purchasing toys for kids.  You may soon be spying Toys for Tots donation jars on counters at mini-marts and other businesses around town, as well. Those few coins that you drop in really add up!