LACEY, Wash. -- Marine reservist Maj. William L. Hendricks founded Toys for Tots in 1947. During that first year, reservists joined together and passed out more than 5,000 toys to needy children at Warner Brother's Studio. The event was so successful that Hendricks utilized his position as public relations director of the studio by obtaining support from celebrities as well as enlisting Walt Disney to design the Toys for Tots red toy train logo.
In 1948, Toys for Tots was launched annually as a Marine sponsored national campaign.
Today, more than 200 retired and active servicemembers representing all branches of service, Boy and Girl Scouts and local volunteers joined the Marine Corps Reserves Detachment 482 continuing Toys for Tot's 64 year tradition of giving by working for months to provide toys to more than 1,400 families Dec 22-23 at Woodland Square Loop.
Those who needed toys registered at the Community Service Office of the Department of Social Health and Services (DSHS) Thurston County, Wash. Once registered, they received a voucher used to pick up their children's toys. Volunteers store the toys at local warehouses, organizing them by age and gender.
John Moysiuk, retired Marine Master Sgt. and local coordinating officer of the Toys for Tots foundation of Olympia was amazed by the community support and generosity.
"One woman's husband passed two days ago but she still came in and donated her entire Barbie collection to the foundation," said Moysiuk.
Several volunteers represented local Boy and Girl Scout troops. One Girl Scout leader ensured that her daughters had the opportunity to experience Toys for Tots.
"I want to make sure my children understand that the true meaning of Christmas is helping others," said Judy Welshheimer, assistant troop leader, Girl Scout Troop 40339, Shelton, Wash. "It is great to know that we are blessing others during the holidays, this gets us into the Christmas spirit."
"Toys for Tots is a wonderful idea," said Russ Caron, assistant troop master, Boy Scout Troop 48, Olympia, Wash. "Christmas is all about the children. You would be amazed by the relief this gives the parents."
During difficult times, Toys for Tots provided help to Welsheimer's family.
"Three years ago I was grateful someone knew that we were having problems," said Welsheimer. "As an adult, it is so difficult to ask for help."
"Our cause is to make sure every child wakes up Christmas morning with a toy," said Moysiuk.
To volunteer for the 2012 Marine Toys for Tots foundation of Olympia, contact John Moysuik at (360)583-8373
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