Toys For Toms

 

 No doubt most of you have heard of that fine organization that is run by the marine corps reserve every year around Christmas- Toys For Tots. They collect and distribute toys for children who are less fortunate and who might go through Christmas without any toys without the generous help of Toys For Tots and the people who donate to them. While I know that it's not a high priority for some folks, it can nonetheless impact a child who sees other kids with toys while they have nothing at a time of year when so many people talk about good will and Christmas cheer. This year in particular is going to hit a lot of families hard. So many folks are without a job and are struggling just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. I hope that if you have been blessed with all of life's necessities that you will consider donating a toy or two or more. You don't know how you might bless some child, and no gift goes unrewarded- you'll be blessed in return. I looked into a little of the history of Toys For Tots. It was apparently started in 1947 by a Major Bill Hendricks. His wife Diane had made some dolls and wanted her husband to find an organization to donate them to. When he returned and told her that there was no such organization. She replied " Well go start one." So he did. On average, Toys For Tots distributes approximately 18 million toys to over 7 million kids each year. I applaud the Marine Corps Reserve members who are involved in this worthwhile organization. I would like to point out if I may, that the title of this blog post is Toys For Toms which isn't even an organization. It was the brainchild of my daughter Autumn. If it were an organization I doubt that it would be recognized by the IRS as qualifying for (503) C status, something that charitable organizations come under. Being charitable to fellows named Tom seems like a good thing though. As you can see from the pictures, toys covers a wide range of items, anything from a nice car to a hoochie mobile. Tools, fishing gear, hunting equipment, knives, guns, bullets, sports gear, electronics, just about anything could qualify as a gift worthy of donating to Toys For Toms. Of course I don't expect those more famous Toms to be given gifts- the Sellicks and Cruises can buy their own gifts and certainly Tom Brady has toys aplenty. Tom Hanks no doubt has toys enough to last for the rest of his life, but for some reason I wouldn't object to his being on the receiving end of some new toy. Those Toms of less noble character probably shouldn't expect to be recipients either; Tom, Tom the piper's son who stole a pig and away he run already has his gift. Then there's those Peeping Toms . I suspect that what they've seen is gift enough, although they may wish for a new pair of binoculars so they can stay at a safe distance and peep. Covid probably is affecting areas of our lives that we never even thought of. For the vast majority of us Toms, the every day guys who aren't peepers or pig thieves just about any toy would be nice to have, and if you determine that perhaps we have enough, then please search your heart and give to a charitable organization that will actually do some good. It's the season of giving, lets give generously. Thanks.