6 October 2023 Triangle, VA – Our Nation mourns for the community members of Northern Florida who were so tragically impacted by the devasting effects of Hurricane Idalia in Florida.

These families have suffered devastating loss, and the financial and emotional impact will be long lasting—especially for those without the means to recover. In order to provide comfort, emotional relief and hope to these families, Toys for Tots plans to distribute toys, books, and other gifts to their children. Toys for Tots is a year-round force for good – providing hope and emotional relief to families experiencing challenging circumstances.

Our local Toys for Tots campaigns in Taylor, Lafayette, and Suwannee Counties are working together to ensure that the children who lost so much will be reminded that there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. The number of children affected by Hurricane Idalia is devastatingly staggering. The Program will be providing support to over 10,000 children throughout the three Northern Florida Counties. Our amazing Coordinators who oversee the campaigns near the affected areas are working together to organize distribution events through local organizations over the next few weeks.

“Over the past few years, families across our Nation have faced tremendous challenges and the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Idalia has added to the severity of hardships that the families in the communities of Taylor, Lafayette, and Suwannee Counties must overcome. The Marine Toys for Tots Program recognizes the need outside of the holiday season, and we want to do what we can to provide comfort and relief for struggling families. In these times of adversity, we want to offer our assistance now,” said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “We are extremely proud of our Coordinators who work beyond the holiday season in concert with our network of nonprofit partners and are able to assist in providing emotional relief to the children living in these Florida communities as soon as possible.”

About Marine Toys for Tots

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a 76-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to less fortunate children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. The impact of these toys and books offers disadvantaged children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime.  It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.  Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 291 million less fortunate children. Because the need isn’t just at Christmastime, the Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dream of millions of less fortunate children beyond the holidays.  The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.  For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.