Michelle Obama Gives Toys for Tots
EmailABC NEWS’ Yunji de Nies Reports: The First lady loaded up carts with toys for needy children at a warehouse near the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Va., today, to show her support for the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign. The First Lady praised the Marines for giving to others, at time when those in the military are already sacrificing so much. “That you show America that you can dig even deeper in this time and put your time and effort into making sure that kids all around this country have something wonderful to wake up to on Christmas morning, that’s what American is all about,” Mrs. Obama said, “We are so proud and so grateful for what you are doing for this country, what you’ve done for this effort, and we will be a part of this as long as I’m in the White House.” The White House has been collecting new, unwrapped toys for the program, which gathers and distributes toys for tens of thousands of children in need across the country. The First Lady’s office says they have gathered over 500 toys to donate toward the Marine’s goal of 150,000. Mrs. Obama brought about a third of the White House donations with her to the warehouse and vowed to go toy shopping in the last few days before Christmas, particularly for children ages 11-14. “We’ve got more than enough toys for younger kids, and one of the challenges that this program has is really finding toys for the older kids,” she said remarking that the toy bins for children ages 11-14 were relatively empty, “You look over in those bins and you just sort of think, you know, the little kids? Great. But you’re 11, you’re still waiting for Santa and you still want to make sure you have something in the stocking.” Mrs. Obama also sent holiday greetings to Americans celebrating any and all traditions. “On behalf of the President, Malia, Sasha, Bo and Grandma, we wish everybody a happy holidays, Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukah, anybody who’s out there celebrating anything: happy!” she said with a laugh. FLOTUS Fashion Watch: Michelle Obama wore a grey double breasted coat over a black and white checkered blouse, black cardigan, black pants and black patent leather flats.
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I love Toys for Tots.
Posted by: MayBee | December 16, 2009, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm
Just wondering how much of “Toys for Tots” is going to illegal immigrants…..60%? 80%? or 90%????
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | December 16, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Me too MayBee. Over 18 years the program has supplemented local collections with more than 81.3 million toys valued at more than $487 million.
Posted by: CenterOne | December 16, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Just wondering how much of “Toys for Tots” is going to illegal immigrants…..60%? 80%? or 90%????
Rick McDaniel | Dec 16, 2009 2:41:11 PM
Wow. It takes a special kind of partisan to slander Toys for Tots. Both Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush were spokespeople for Toys for Tots and in 2005 President Bush did a press availability at a Toys for Tots collection center where he thanked them for their efforts – all of which met with universal and appropriate approval.
Thanks to all people who support this worthy effort to help the least fortunate children among us.
Posted by: jhw539 | December 16, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
The Toys for Tots website has a handy guide to find out where you can donate locally.
Posted by: Ryan C | December 16, 2009, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm
Small world– I dropped off a huge pile of goodies at my local Toys for Tots drop-off site this morning, too. And kudos for the First Lady for reminding folks that the older kids are the ones that should not be forgotten. Most of the donations are for the younger set.
I also “adopted” a child in another local charity drive and was matched with a 15 year old. Not at all what I expected, but a nice surprise. I had great fun filling her wish list.
Yes, older kids’ wish lists are usually filled with more expensive items, but they should not be overlooked. Having a nice Christmas like their friends do matters a great deal to young teens.
I’m with Mrs. Obama– give to Toys for Tots, and don’t forget the kids who aren’t such “tots” any more when you do. It will make you feel good.
And Rick, I suspect Santa will have a lump of coal for your stocking if you don’t straighten up, young man.
Posted by: moderate | December 16, 2009, 3:28 pm 3:28 pm
I would certainly question where any toys donated to Toys For Tots are going and whether they actually go to the children who need them. The New Bern North Carolina Dept of Parks and Rec today informed me that there may not be enough toys for all the kids who applied. This isn’t really surprising since in order to apply and be approved, you simply need to give age, name, and sex of the child. No proof of income or even proof that said child exists is even necessary. Toys for Tots is a great concept, but unless people are willing to run it ethically, it doesn’t do much good. It gives dishonest greedy people a chance to get some toys free and save some money while some of us who just lost their jobs due to cutbacks and can barely pay the bills will have to explain to their child why there is nothing under the tree.
In Pennsylvania I am told that Toys For Tots give out a large garbage bag full of toys. When I mentioned this to Bobby Barnett, the Marine in charge of the program for Craven County, he said that it was because North Carolina is a poorer state. I don’t believe that though, I believe it comes back to the screening process, if only those who legitimately needed the help were approved for it, then the toys would go to the kids who needed them.
Posted by: Donna | December 16, 2009, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm
Toys for Tots is a great charity. They are correct in saying there is usually a greater need for children 11-14 years old.
I always give sports equipment (volleyballs, basketballs, soccer balls, footballs and fishing poles) and popular books, like the Harry Potter series.
This year, I added personal grooming items for older girls (hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons and lots of hair brushes).
This is my favorite charity, good on you Michelle.
Posted by: Barry Christmas | December 16, 2009, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
“This year, I added personal grooming items for older girls (hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons and lots of hair brushes).”
That’s a great idea and something people may overlook.
Posted by: Ryan C | December 16, 2009, 5:59 pm 5:59 pm