Launches fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign

HELENA, MT - Before lighting the State Capitol Christmas Tree, Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte today donated toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots, and encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.

“Thanks to the work of the U.S. Marine Corps and volunteers, Toys for Tots ensures Montana kids have a gift to open on Christmas,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As this season of giving unfolds and we celebrate our blessings, I encourage Montanans to support their local Toys for Tots campaign if they’re able.”

Founded over 75 years ago by the U.S. Marine Corps, Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys for children in October, November, and December to make sure every child has a toy on Christmas morning.

This year, 27 counties in Montana have active Toys for Tots campaigns. In Helena-area alone last year, Toys for Tots served over 3,700 children in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and northern Jefferson counties.

“For 77 years, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has brought the joy of Christmas and sent a message of hope to America's children. The Helena-area Toys for Tots chapter is run 100% by volunteers, and with the community's support we have been able to ensure that each child in need receives a gift for Christmas,” Angie Fillinger, coordinator for Helena Toys for Tots.

Fillinger continued, “Montanans are always willing to help a neighbor in need, and I am truly honored and blessed to be part of such a giving community. More and more families are faced with the choice of paying for housing, utilities, and food or providing a Christmas for their children. Donations of new, unwrapped toys, or even a few hours of your time volunteering for your nearest chapter, can make a huge difference for a local family.”

A list of over 225 drop box locations in the Helena area can be found here. Helena Toys for Tots begins collecting on December 10 and will distribute toys to families on December 14. Montanans interested in supporting Toys for Tots or who know a child in need of a gift this Christmas can find their local campaign here.

At the 2024 Christmas Tree Lighting in the State Capitol, the governor donated a children’s tool set and the first lady donated a castle building blocks set.

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

- On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.