A number of people have been touched by a video of a U.S. Marine showing warmth to a little girl. The film starts with the young boy greeting Santa by saying, โExcuse me, excuse me, are you Santa Claus?โ greeting the Marine who is on duty. I figured you could be.โ Telling him to take his paper list if he is the right guy, the boy gives it to him. The Marine steps out of his position, remarks it and the boy is delighted as he walks off surprised.
The event is organized as a campaign to provide toys to children by the Toys for Tots program. Marine reserve officer Major Bill Hendricks and his wife Diane started the idea in 1947 and since then, it has aimed to give to underprivileged children. From its beginning, it has given more than 652 million gifts to almost 291 million children all over the country.
No one can ignore how much Toys for Tots impacts the community. Many struggling families feel much happier and hopeful during the holidays because of the Generosity Initiative. Recent US data reveal that one in six children live in poverty; Taylor Price from the Denison County, Texas chapter knows the difference the program can have from personal experience. With the tough times Price has dealt with, he now finds joy in sharing the magic of holidays with kids.
The goodwill and generosity of members of the community are clear through the Toys for Tots program. For example, Walt Disney has helped by contributing the famous train logo used by Instagram. Such partnership stresses how community and philanthropy are important for transforming the lives of people who require help.
The program is about compassion and hope, in addition to doing a good deed for others. Sharing presents with less privileged youths helps them be part of the celebration. For a long time, the program will make a difference because it is always expanding and helping additional families.