Giving to those less fortunate this season

The idea for Toys for Tots came from Major Bill Henrdrick’s wife, Diane, when she wanted Bill to deliver a hand crafted Raggedy Ann doll to a needy child for Christmas.

When Bill discovered that no such donation organization existed; Diane told him he should start one and he did. In 1948 the organization then grew to a nationwide effort with the Marine Corps Reserve.

Toys for Tots was created in 1947 in Los Angeles when a group of Marine reservists and Hendricks collected and distributed more than 5,000 toys to needy children, according to toysfortots.org Web site.

The Marine Wing Support Squadron 473 will be on campus Nov. 17 and Dec. 1 collecting toys and donations for “Toys for Tots.”

Robert Parks, a Marine of MWSS 473, said two to three marines will be on campus collecting toys along with Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji fraternity). Parks coordinated the days to collect toys with his unit and Fiji organization for the Fresno State campus.

Parks said they will be collecting toys in the Free Speech Area from noon to 4 p.m. both days. Toys must be in “new condition,” meaning they must be new and unwrapped. Besides collecting toys for children, the group will also be collecting donations of any amount.

The Marines have been coordinating this effort to collect “Toys for Tots” since the 40s Parks said. The Marines collect toys as Christmas gifts for needy children in the community every year during the months of October, November and December. Last year the MWSS 473 collected about 200,000 toys on its own.

Sororities on campus will also be participating in a competition in which whoever collects the most toys on campus will win a trophy Parks said.

After the toys are collected they will be distributed to local church organizations and to group homes for children during the holidays. “It’s really easy,” Parks said. “Even a doll or toy can help.”

Parks said he encourages everyone to donate anything they can. Even if you cannot donate a new toy, donate a dollar or two, Parks said.

“It really makes someone’s holiday a lot better.” Parks said.

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