The holiday season is a cherished time of year when the spirit of giving flows through individuals, communities and organizations. Year after year, one program seeks to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most – children. Toys for Tots brings this spirit to countless kids who might not otherwise experience the magic and wonder of the holiday season. With a mission to collect and distribute new, unwrapped toys to less fortunate kids, the program builds a foundation of happiness that endures all year long. Toys for Tots believes that small actions lead to big smiles and memories that last a lifetime.  

The idea of Toys for Tots began in 1947, when a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles – determined to provide a sign of hope to children in need – collected and distributed 5,000 toys. The initial campaign’s success inspired the Marine Corps to adopt the program and expand it nationwide. The next year, Marine Corps Reserve units across the United States conducted local toy collection and distribution efforts. Toys for Tots has been an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve ever since, and it has become an integral part of the Corps’ community involvement efforts. In 1991, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was created at the behest of the Marine Corps in order to maximize the program’s impact. 

Partnerships with various organizations, businesses and individuals over the years significantly expanded the reach and effect of Toys for Tots, allowing the nonprofit to not only distribute toys but also books, school supplies, and other gifts as well. For continued growth and success of the program, local volunteers are relied on heavily to contribute their time to organize toy drives, fundraising events, and distribution efforts.  

An example of the crucial role that local communities play can be seen in Midwest Texas, where Toys for Tots of San Angelo and The Concho Valley made a huge impact in 2022: 

• 204,793 toys distributed  

• 25,030 children supported  

The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation nationally recognized this local campaign by bestowing the title of Campaign Coordinator of the Year to its region. Only six regions exist across the country, so this honor was truly felt by the Marines and Elf Committee in San Angelo and the Concho Valley’s 13 surrounding counties. Toys for Tots Coordinator GypC Serna believes the feat could not have been achieved without support from local volunteers and donations.  

“Our ultimate goal every year is to never say no to a family or agency in need,” said Serna. “Thank goodness we live in the generous community we do. Whenever we put the word out, they always come through.” 

Supporting children is integral to Atmos Energy’s Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities initiative, so we have partnered with Toys for Tots across the divisions we serve for many years. Last year in San Angelo and the Concho Valley alone, dozens of Atmos Energy employees volunteered their time over several days, and the company donated $5,000 which equates to 17,000 toys.  

“Atmos Energy and its philanthropy make it possible for us to deliver hope to children one toy at a time,” added Serna. “It’s because of companies like yours we are allowed to do what we do and make a difference. This is why we are here, to help those kids who otherwise would not see Christmas. The kids might not know how you helped, but they know Santa came.”

If you live in the Concho Valley area and would like to make a donation or volunteer, visit Toys for Tots – San Angelo. To find a Toys for Tots chapter near you and help bring hope to children in your community, visit toysfortots.org.