Toy for tots

Homestead Funding annually takes part in the U.S Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Our corporate office serves as a drop-off site where you can come and donate new, unwrapped toys to be given to children in need.

Toys for Tots was founded by Major Bill Hendricks of the United States Marine Corps Reserves in Los Angeles, California in 1947 when his wife wanted to donate a Raggedy Ann doll to a poor child but couldn’t find an organization that would do such. Major Hendricks then gathered a group of local Marine reserves and together they collected around 5,000 toys. Due to their success, Toys for Tots was launched as a national campaign the following year. In that year, Walt Disney designed the now famous red train logo and created the first national Toys for Tots poster. It wasn’t until 1996, however, that the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve allowed for select Marine Corps League Detachments and local community groups to conduct toy collections so that areas without a Marine Reserve center could still participate, thus finally bringing the charity to all 50 states.

Every year since its founding, Toys for Tots has continued to grow and gain recognition through the federal government and various celebrity endorsements and is now promoted on many televised holiday specials and at large public events. The charity also continues to be recognized as one of the greatest charity organizations in America by the Philanthropy 400. No matter what troubles our nation has faced, there has always been kindness and love to bring joy to everyone during the holidays.