Christmas is now a memory but a happy one, thanks to Toys for Tots. While the Christmas season has passed, and we anxiously await the arrival of Spring, many Valley children are enjoying the toys that they received this year through the Ravalli County Toys for Tots Program.
Toys for Tots was originated by the Reserve component of the United States Marine Corps in 1947, and within a few short years, spread throughout the country.
During this year’s drive, the Bitterroot Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League came to the assistance of Ravalli County Coordinator, Leah Duke, and provided toy donation boxes and cash collection containers to the community, and picked up toys weekly. The program this year was a huge success, thanks to the support of many schools, local businesses and their patrons, and several individual donors who made very generous contributions.
The annual program begins during the first week of November with toy collection box and cash donation container distribution to participating establishments; the program concludes with toy distribution the week before Christmas. The willingness of Bitterroot Valley residents to help out their less fortunate neighbors make the Toys for Tots program a success and reminds us of why we are proud to live here.
Joe Rogish, Toys for Tots Coordinator
Det. 937, Marine Corps League