The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program began in 1947 in Los Angeles, California, with the efforts of Maj. Bill Hendricks (USMCR) who, noticing there was no charity that distributed toys to deserving children during the traditional Christmas season, collected and distributed more than 5,000 toys to children in the Los Angeles area that first year. Since then, the Toys For Tots program has grown into a nationwide effort, coordinated by the U.S. Marines, to help disadvantaged children learn the meaning of holiday giving through the gift of a new, unwrapped toy.

The Toys For Tots program has throughout its history depended on the support of communities, businesses and charitable organizations across the country. Additionally, the Toys For Tots logo was personally designed by Mr. Walt Disney in 1948. The Toys For Tots program has grown significantly during the years, with over 30 million toys distributed in the past four years alone. Over 231 million toys have been distributed to more than 116 million children since the program's inception.

In 2008, our coordinator, Lucinda M. Clark, was named the 2008 National Toys for Tots Local Community Organizer and was the recipient of a "Meritorious Public Service" Medal from the US Marine Corps. Congratulations Lucinda and thank you! You make this organization what it is today!

In early November 1988, a lifelong resident of Mt. Pleasant, SSgt. Richard A. Barz, lost his wife of 14 years. Sadly he looked toward Christmas and the holiday festivities, wishing they weren't coming. He talked to me, (his daughter Lucinda), discussing his non-involvement in the upcoming family Christmas parties. I advised him to find something he could "throw himself into" and I would help him do what ever he chose to do.

He attended a Korean Veterans meeting for the survivors of the Chosin Reservoir War called "The Chosin Few" in Rankin, Michigan. He returned to ask me, "Have you ever heard of a program called Toys For Tots?" I replied, "No." He told me, "it's a program to make sure kids have toys for Christmas." I replied, "That sounds like a great idea, and if you want to do it we, (the whole family), will help!"

That year we operated the program out of our family business, "Barz NorthAmerican Vanlines," in Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Barz was the coordinator, with his children and relatives supporting him in his efforts to get toys to the children. We collected, sorted, wrapped and delivered toys to 50 children in Isabella County. Toys For Tots became a family activity every year. As the program progressed and grew over the years, we found there was a great need for toys in Clare County. With the help of area law enforcement, businesses and great volunteers, we added Clare County to our Isabella County program.

Today as the Central Michigan Area Toys For Tots, we can no longer deliver the toys or wrap them due to the large volume of need in our counties. We now have a one day "Toy Distribution Day." Any parent can come and get toys for their children if they have a need for toys for Christmas. We have Santa visit with the kids, give away popcorn, play Christmas music, computer register recipients, sort toys by age and boy or girl, etc. It's a real gala and the spirit of Christmas fills the air!

In 2006, 18 years later, SSgt. Richard A. Barz dressed in his uniform, and with his daughters, me as the program coordinator and Melinda Barz as the volunteer organizer, and with 100+ great volunteers, distributed over 8,000 toys to 2,400 kids. He truly believes his life was spared all those years ago in that frozen war in Korea, the Chosin Reservoir trap, so he could return home and make sure the kids got toys for Christmas - that is why he does it year after year.

The program has grown and it appears that the need hasn't diminished. We know our charge every year. Will you help?

Donate, volunteer (and bring the kids), and cheerfully give to a program that serves your local community directly. Remember - what's given here stays here!! That includes that WARM FUZZY FEELING OF EXHAUSTION, knowing that you have helped so many children at a time of their greatest need!

Thank you Isabella and Clare residents - without YOU there would be NO Toys For Tots HISTORY!

YOU MADE THE DIFFERENCE!!

- Lucinda Clark