Toys for Tots Naples, FL 
 

Toys for Toys Explained 

For over 70 years, the Toys for Tots Foundation has collected toy donations for children whose parents cannot afford to buy gifts. The mission is as stated "to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas." 

History of Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots began in 1947 as an idea from Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks who got the inspiration from his wife Diane. She handmade dolls that were supposed to be delivered to a charity agency for children. When they looked to donate the dolls, they were surprised to find no organization like this existed. This sparked the idea of starting their own charity organization which is now known as Toys for Tots. During the first year in 1947, over 5,000 toys were donated in bins placed outside of Warner Bros studios in Los Angeles. After seeing how much community participation there was, the Marine Corps decided to make a national outreach program. Bill had connections and friends that worked at Warner Bros and Disney studios. Walt Disney designed the first Toys for Tots poster used throughout the United States. In the poster, Walt had drawn a mini three-car train, and to this day Toys for Tots still uses the train idea in the logo. Toys for Tots was later launched as a national charity effort. Over the years many people from small to large have helped the foundation. The theme song for Toys for Tots was recorded in 1956 by Nat King Kole, Jo Stafford, and Peggy Lee. Beginning in 1980 volunteers would only accept new toys instead of refurbishing used toys and avoiding any legal concerns. As the years progressed, Toys for Toys has become a staple in our country and local communities.   

Toys for Tots today 

Currently, Toys for Toys collects and distributes an average of 18 million toys to underprivileged children per year. Toys for Tots has become a widely known non-profit organization to help less fortunate children. As of the present day, charity efforts have been expanded all year round. Toys for Tots has a new Literacy Program that donates books to low-income communities. They also organize toys and books that are donated to remote Native American reservations throughout the United States.   

How does Mike's Plumbing help? 

Mike’s Plumbing of Southwest Florida has a local outreach program called Mike’s Cares. Mike’s Plumbing in Naples, Florida shows support for the local Naples community with dedicated outreach programs throughout the year. We like to show our love for local Southwest Florida, just like our customers have supported our local family-owned business since 1996. This holiday 2022 season, Mike's Plumbing in Naples has collected donations and donated to Toys for Tots.