Marine Toys for Tots Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign: Nearly 900 Communities Collecting Toys and Books for Children in Need
The U.S. Marine Corps' signature charity effort, Toys for Tots, officially launched its 2026 holiday campaign on October 1. The kickoff hit the fast lane on October 4 in Las Vegas, where Toys for Tots joined Richard Childress Racing and driver Austin Dillon, who races the No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation issued the launch announcement from Triangle, Virginia, on October 7.
Toys for Tots is a national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, dating to 1947, and is one of America's longest-running children's charities. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, authorized by the Marine Corps and the Department of War, provides fundraising and operational support for the annual program.
From October through December, Marines, civilian coordinators, community partners and supporters will mobilize in nearly 900 local communities to collect and distribute toys, books and gifts, with the goal of making sure children whose families are facing hardship experience the joy of Christmas. Communities host toy drop-off points where residents can donate new, unwrapped toys; businesses and groups can host collections or give directly.
'Every year, our Holiday Campaign begins with a simple but powerful promise: no child should ever feel forgotten at Christmas,' said retired Marine Lt. Gen. Jim Laster, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Launching the 2026 campaign with Richard Childress Racing and Austin Dillon, he said, shared that promise with millions of Americans — and what began on the track in Las Vegas becomes a nationwide effort fueled by generosity and compassion.
Local campaign details, drop-off locations, assistance applications and online giving are available at toysfortots.org. The foundation notes that collection deadlines vary by community and encourages donors to check their local campaign's schedule early.
(Source: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation)
Source: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Toys for Tots玩具收集活动（资料图）。图片来自 Wikimedia Commons，公共领域。 / A Toys for Tots collection event (file photo). Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
