When I think of gifts for children, the first thing that comes to mind is a teddy bear. Toys of all kinds warm the hearts of kids, especially the ones who have little or nothing. The biggest gift-giving occasion of the entire year of course is Christmas and that's now just a month away. Toy drives for needy kids truly make a difference! Consider giving. It really doesn't have to cost a lot.
There are stores that each year put out collection barrels for various toy drives. The largest and best known is probably the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots campaign. Back in 1947 United States Marine Major Bill Hendricks got the ball rolling in Los Angeles, California, beginning with a handmade doll and continuing with a collection of some 5,000 toys for needy kids in his area.
That program continues to this day but now spreads nationwide. There is also the Angel Tree program which gives toys to kids with parents in prison. It was in 1983 that the Prison Fellowship started their Angel Tree Christmas toy program. There are many regional and local programs too run by fire departments or police departments or other local organizations. There might be one in your town. Last year a friend of mine in Las Vegas did an incredible drive himself, reaching out to all his friends.
This is certainly not an easy year, but do what you can. Check with your local schools, churches, police department, and local newspaper for toys drives that might exist in your area. Perhaps you or an organization you are part of, would like to start your own collection process to help out too. Remember, a toy in the hands of a child is a beautiful thing, especially in the hands of a child who has nothing.
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