First Lady Leads Annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Charity Drive

QUANTICO, Va.—First Lady Melania Trump partnered with the Toys for Tots charity for a contribution drive at the Marine Corps Base outside the nation’s capital on Dec. 8.

Santa arrived in style with the first lady, flying to the event aboard a Boeing V-22 Osprey.

“This Christmas season, you, your friends, and your families should wish for the ultimate gift, love,” Trump said. “After all, love travels further than Santa’s sleigh and America’s Ospreys.”

About 150 children and 250 family members and active duty Marines cheered their arrival from the tarmac.

Thousands of toys lined the stage area inside the historic hangar, all displayed in front of a massive CH-46 helicopter.

Children rushed to help the first lady organize and sort the presents into large cardboard boxes. Similar bins are placed in collection locations across the country where anyone can donate a new, unwrapped toy.

Trump thanked the many volunteers across the country who dedicate their time and energy to support the program.

“I am grateful for your partnership and dedication to promoting fun and creativity,” she said. “You help bring the delight of Christmas morning to millions of children, and you remind us that of all American traditions, kindness and love remain among our most powerful.”

Her speech honored the sacrifices made by military families, noting that some children’s parents are stationed far from home.

“To the families of military personnel, you are the heart of today’s celebration. Your strength in the face of adversity is inspirational,” Trump said.

“I know this can be difficult. On behalf of our nation, thank you.”

Lt. Gen. Leonard “Loni” F. Anderson IV, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve and U.S. Marine Corps Forces South, introduced the first lady and oversaw the day’s festivities.

The Toys for Tots Program was established in 1947 after Diane Hendricks, the wife of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, thought of donating handcrafted dolls and gifts to a charity that could deliver them to underprivileged children.

Upon discovering that no foundation existed with such a purpose, she told her husband to create one. That year, the officer and Marines in his unit collected approximately 5,000 toys from community members and gave them to children in need.

A resounding success, the efforts grew to a national program overseen by the Marine Corps Reserve in 1948 and founded a cherished annual tradition.

Lt. Gen. Hendricks used celebrity connections from his civilian life as a public relations director for Warner Bros. in Hollywood to promote the organization.

Animation legend and locomotive fanatic Walt Disney created the first advertising poster that included a logo still in use today, a three-car train design emblazoned with the foundation’s name.

Since its inception, volunteers have distributed more than 708 million toys, including more than 30 million in 2024, to about 314 million children.

Organizers formed the nonprofit Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in 1991 to help manage the nationwide efforts and millions of donations.

Contributions from corporate partners and individuals fund the initiative, which has consistently ranked as one of the top charities in the nation, perennially recognized on the list of best charitable organizations curated by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, an independent organization focused on improving nonprofits.

Those interested in donating time, resources, or toys to the drive can reach out to a Toys for Tots chapter for more information. Applications are available for families interested in receiving assistance.