Governor Gianforte Encourages Support for Marine Corps Toys for Tots

HELENA, Mont. – After dropping off a new puzzle and stuffed moose in a Marine Corps Toys for Tots box at the Montana State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte today encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.

“The Marine Corps started Toys for Tots 75 years ago to ensure every American child has a gift to open on Christmas morning,” Governor Gianforte said. “This season reminds us of all we have to be grateful for as Montanans, and I encourage folks to support their local Toys for Tots campaign if they’re able.”

Since 1947, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots has collected new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December to distribute as Christmas gifts to children.

This year, over two dozen counties and three tribes in Montana have active Toys for Tots campaigns.

In Helena alone last year, Toys for Tots served nearly 3,000 children. Through its Native American campaign in Montana, Toys for Tots distributed over 88,000 toys in 2021, supporting over 23,500 children.

“Since Marine Toys for Tots Program’s inception in 1947 with a single hand-crafted doll, we have distributed 627 million toys to over 281 million children in need over seven decades. We’ve adapted and overcome many challenges, but always accomplished the mission,” said Lt. Gen. Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “We can’t thank Governor Greg Gianforte and the community members of Helena, MT enough for their support of bringing joy to children in need in their local community.”

Montanans interested in supporting Toys for Tots or know a child in need of a gift this Christmas can find their local campaign here.

Running through mid-December, the governor’s 12 Days of Giving will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

-On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor visited the Butte Rescue Mission and served lunch to Montanans struggling with food insecurity.

-On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the second annual canned food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

-On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Montana veterans through the Veterans Navigation Network.

-On the 4^th Day of Giving, the governor donated toys to the Helena area Toys for Tots.