FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Toys for Tots Literacy Program?

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program is an initiative of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The mission of the Program is to offer our Nation's most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read and to communicate effectively.

How does the Toys for Tots Literacy Program work?

Donations made to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program are used to buy books and other educational materials for local children in need. Toys for Tots works with various local agencies to identify children and organizations that will benefit from the Program.

I thought Toys for Tots distributed toys to children in need during the holidays? Why the focus on literacy?

For more than 75 years, Toys for Tots has been bringing smiles to the faces of less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy. While Toys for Tots is committed to this tradition and continues its toy program, it is extending its reach through the Toys for Tots Literacy Program by providing children in need with the tools that can help them break the cycle of poverty.

Why support literacy?

While getting a shiny new toy can certainly brighten a child’s world, it doesn’t provide long-lasting benefits or enable that child to break the cycle of poverty. The number of children living in poverty continues to increase. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, there are approximately 15 million children live in poverty. Additionally, the Handbook of Early Literacy Research reveals that in low-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is one age-appropriate book for every 300 children. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 33 % of all fourth graders in this country still cannot read at even the basic level. There is a need in or near every community – and hope is just a book away!

How can I support the Toys for Tots Literacy Program?

Every dollar donated helps buy a book! So, for as little as $1, you can make a difference in the life of a child in need in your own community. Please visit www.toysfortots.org/literacy/ and make a monetary donation – one hundred percent of your gift will help support local children and literacy programs.
*Publishers and clearing houses can make tax-deductible in-kind donations of new children’s books. Toys for Tots will pick-up directly from your distribution centers, cover the cost of shipping and distribute to local Toys for Tots campaigns.

What age group does the Toys for Tots Literacy Program serve?

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program is designed to benefit economically disadvantaged children from preschool through high school.

Will my donation reach children in my community?

Yes. Toys for Tots works to ensure donations benefit children in or near the community in which the money is raised. If an economic need does not exist in the immediate community, we will identify a neighboring area that has such a need.

Can I conduct a fundraiser to benefit the program?

All fundraising programs for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program must be approved by the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. If you would like to provide financial support for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, you may make a donation at www.toysfortots.org/literacy/.

Can I donate gently used books?

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program only accepts new, unwrapped children’s books. Our goal is to deliver a message of hope and instill self-confidence to children in need. A gift of a new book is the best means of accomplishing this goal.

How can I receive books for my organization or program?

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program distributes books and educational resources to children based on economic need. Toys for Tots works with its existing network of local agencies to identify children that will benefit from the Program.

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