Bringing Joy and Literacy: The Impact of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program in the Hudson Valley

The holiday season is upon us, a time when communities come together to ensure that every child experiences the magic of Christmas. One significant effort in this direction is the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, a vital initiative that has been spreading happiness since its inception in the mid-1940s. Founded by Colonel William L. Hendricks, the program has grown from a small campaign to a nationwide operation, impacting countless lives.

In the Hudson Valley, the Toys for Tots program is spearheaded by dedicated individuals like Mike Bins, TJ Ashline, and Randy Turner. Mike Bins, a former Marine, emphasizes the importance of the program as a way to give back to the community. “Doing Toys for Tots, it’s kind of an honor and a privilege,” he states, striving to help children, especially in the age groups of zero to three years and nine to fourteen years, who are often underserved in toy donations.

TJ Ashline, motivated by his own child's interest in the program, stepped up as a coordinator for Dutchess County. He highlights the challenge of collecting toys for older children and the necessity of cash contributions to purchase age-appropriate gifts. “Our hardest area where we need to really try to promote getting gifts is for the zero to three years old and then like nine-year-old plus.”

The program also places a strong emphasis on literacy. Since 2008, the Toys for Tots literacy initiative has distributed over 60 million books to disadvantaged children. In 2024 alone, 2.8 million books were provided, a testament to the program's commitment to fostering educational growth alongside seasonal joy.

For those wishing to contribute, now is the time. The program’s operational logistics mean donations need to be collected and organized weeks before Christmas. Boxes are available at Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union branches and other participating locations. In Ulster County, distribution events are scheduled for December 15th at the Highland American Legion, December 17th at the Kingston VFW, and December 19th at the Ellenville Elks. Dutchess County will also have organized distributions following their collection dates on December 11th and 12th.

Monetary donations can be made through the Dutchess County Toys for Tots website at duchess-county-ny.toysfortots.org, providing the program with the flexibility to purchase needed items. As Randy Turner, a long-time supporter of Toys for Tots, advocates, “It’s a program that works. It’s a program that makes a difference locally.”



This year, let’s ensure every child in the Hudson Valley has a reason to smile. By donating a toy or making a financial contribution to Toys for Tots, you are directly impacting your community and bringing joy to the hearts of deserving children.

Listen to the full interview: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/U2PJlcprjZb