Toys For Tots

Gobble, gobble, gobble. Wow, is it really that time of year, it is really flying by faster than I can stand.

Right now we have a full schedule of parties, I love it. 

First of all is a party we look forward to more than any other party. Well, I guess a little background is in order.  About 11-12 years ago my parents paid off the mortgage on their house and wanted to celebrate, it was around the time of Thanksgiving.  Being the charitable people they are they decided to have everyone bring a toy and to donate them to Toys for Tots.  It started with about 50 people and we wound up getting over 75 toys for the cause.  The next few years they had it at their house and then the cops started getting called on us well before the 10:00 p.m. noise cut off time.  Plus the party kept growing bigger and bigger and the last time we had it at the house it was up to 100 people.  We had some friends who had great connections at the Maitland Art Center and were able to get us a really good deal. That first year there it was about 200 people and well last year it was around 400 people.  We invite people with the only requests being, bring one new unwrapped toy and one side dish.  We provide the DJ, live music, open bar, BBQ, bounce house, chocolate fountains, video game van, etc.  The Marines have been in attendance almost every year.  The first year and two years ago when it fell on their annual ball.  I LOVE this party and I hold it very close to my heart.  I would not ever wish upon any child to wake up Christmas morning to nothing under the tree. Granted there is so much more to the season than gifts, but to some kids imagination and belief can be smashed with this one thing.  Even something small can make a difference, think about when you were a kid and how you would have felt if you woke up Christmas morning with nothing under the tree.  I encourage everyone to buy at least one toy this year and find a donation center to drop a toy off at.  Toys R Us is a huge one that you can buy toys at and then donate them. 

I feel so privileged every year to be able to go to the main warehouse in Orlando to meet the wonderful men and women that serve our country in more ways than one, the Marines.  Our party falls around the same time as when the families are signing up to get donated toys. When we drop off the toys at the warehouse the day after there is always a line around the building of parents with children waiting to fill out the forms.

I have included a link to find a drop off location near you.  It is never to early to start, if they do not have enough toys they have to turn families away.

Toys for Tots