(NewsUSA) - As National Child Poverty Day approaches on October 17^th, Marine Toys for Tots is shining a light on the challenges faced by millions of children living in poverty and the importance of ensuring they feel supported, valued, and remembered throughout the year.

While poverty is often measured in financial terms, its impact extends far beyond economics, affecting a child's confidence, emotional well-being, educational opportunities, and sense of belonging. National Child Poverty Day reminds us that children facing hardship need more than financial assistance. They need encouragement, support, and the reassurance that their communities care.

The difference a caring community can make was on full display recently in Riviera Beach, Florida, where Toys for Tots partnered with Morningday Community Solutions and Good360 to support local families through a community distribution event.

Long before the doors of the Riviera Beach Marina Village Event Center opened, families had already begun to gather. Parents stood alongside their children, eager to access resources that would help prepare them for the school year ahead. Inside, children explored rows of toys, books, backpacks, and school supplies while parents connected with services designed to support their families.

By the end of the day, 3,480 toys provided by Toys for Tots had been distributed to 2,570 disadvantaged children. 

As children left carrying backpacks, books, school supplies, and toys, they took home something even more meaningful: a renewed sense of hope. They left knowing that people they had never met had chosen to invest in their happiness, their education, and their future.

These and similar events across the Nation demonstrate why National Child Poverty Day is so important. Not only do they remind us that behind every statistic is a child with dreams, talents, and unlimited potential, but they show how the generosity that fuels Toys for Tots’ mission during the holiday season and extends far beyond Christmas, providing opportunities, encouragement, and hope to children throughout the year.

"As we observe National Child Poverty Day, we are reminded that millions of children are facing challenges beyond their control," said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, U.S. Marines (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Our mission is not only to provide tangible support, but also to remind children that they are cared for, valued, and supported by communities that believe in their potential."

As the 2026 Holiday Campaign continues, the compassion and generosity of supporters are creating more than memorable holiday moments. They are helping children facing hardship recognize their potential, strengthen their confidence, and look toward the future with optimism. 

Every child deserves more than the chance to get by. Every child deserves the chance to feel valued, supported, and hopeful about the future. 

To learn more about Marine Toys for Tots, visit www.toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - The Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program’s Operation Turn the Page initiative continues throughout September, putting books in the hands of children living in low-income communities across the country. Rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream, Operation Turn the Page highlights the life-changing impact of reaching children who may otherwise have few or no books to call their own. For many of these children, a single book can spark a love of reading, build confidence, and open the door to opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

Helping turn that mission into reality is Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company. Scholastic has served as a valued partner of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program since 1998 and has helped provide books to millions of students, teachers, and families nationwide.

Together, the organizations are giving children more than stories to read. They are opening doors to imagination, building confidence in young readers, and creating opportunities that can last a lifetime.

One of the most impactful examples of this partnership can be seen in its support of Title I funded schools.Through collaborative efforts between the Toys for Tots Literacy Program and Scholastic, 146 Title I funded schools have received book donations so far in 2026, resulting in the distribution of 79,070 books to students and classrooms. For many children, these books represent far more than stories on a page. They provide opportunities to explore new worlds, strengthen reading skills, and develop a love of learning that can influence the trajectory of their education and future success.

Scholastic’s support has also enabled the Toys for Tots Literacy Program to partner with the Kids In Need Foundation. This year, the effort has supported 3,800 teachers in Portland, Oregon; Dayton, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Wichita, Kansas; and Little Canada, Minnesota. By providing 4,021 educational resources, including 2,100 books and 1,921 teacher supplies, the organizations are helping educators create engaging learning environments where students can thrive. These resources empower teachers to focus on what matters most: inspiring a love of reading and helping every child reach their potential.

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program and Scholastic have also supported projects designed to meet unique community needs. At Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida, the organizations provided 250 books to students, expanding access to educational resources and supporting academic achievement. In Tucson, Arizona, 210 books were distributed through a partnership with the Tucson Police Department, demonstrating how literacy can strengthen community connections and bring people together around a shared commitment to helping children succeed.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the power of a book, and our partnership with Scholastic is helping make that possible for thousands of children across the Nation,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, U.S. Marines (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “When a child turns the page of a book, they also turn the page toward new possibilities in life.”

The continued success of these initiatives and the partnership between the Toys for Tots Literacy Program and Scholastic are testaments to what can be achieved when organizations unite around a common purpose. Together, they are helping disadvantaged children across America Turn the Page Toward Opportunity, one book, one child, and one future at a time.

To learn more about the Toys for Tots Literacy Program or to donate, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/programs/literacy-program.

(NewsUSA) - Several seasonal celebrations are nearly upon us, but an unwelcome time of year also awaits—flu season.

The “flu,” short for influenza, is a viral respiratory illness that often spreads in the fall and winter months, according to physician Matthew Heller, D.O., an associate professor of family medicine at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, February is historically the peak month for flu activity.

To reduce the chances of contracting the flu, Heller recommends getting a flu shot, adding that anyone over the age of 6 months old should be vaccinated annually. 

“Always talk to your physician about potential exceptions and find out whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you,” Heller counseled.

The vaccine works by developing antibodies that provide protection against the flu-causing virus, Heller noted. A vaccinated person who caught the flu would experience less severe symptoms and potential complications. Even during flu seasons when the vaccine is less effective due to virus mutations, vaccination protects against hospitalizations and deaths and reduces the risk for influenza-associated outpatient healthcare visits across all age groups. Importantly, he emphasized that the way flu vaccines are developed makes them unable to cause the illness itself.

It is crucial to be proactive about getting vaccinated, as it takes about two weeks for the body to subsequently build full protection against the virus, Heller stated.

Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, and fatigue, Heller said. People don’t typically become symptomatic until a few days after exposure to the flu virus and will become contagious during this time. Symptoms may last for about a week.

Heller explained that while most who suspect they have the flu can recover at home with plenty of rest and fluids, those in high-risk groups for developing complications—including adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions—should contact a physician. 

Besides getting an annual vaccination, Heller noted other ways people can protect themselves from the flu virus. Frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, sanitizing high-traffic surfaces, avoiding face touching and large crowds, and sneezing into a tissue or elbow are also preventative steps.

As a physician, Heller emphasized the importance of remaining educated about the impact of the current flu season: “The flu spreads easily from person to person,” he said. “Remember that getting the flu vaccine will not only protect you but will also protect all those around you. By setting the example, others will follow.”

Heller is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more. 

(NewsUSA) - Many parents think kindergarten readiness starts with learning letters, numbers and how to write a name. Those skills matter, but educators know that the social-emotional and executive function skills children develop before they ever walk into elementary school play an important role in kindergarten readiness.

That's why choosing the right pre-K program matters. In a high-quality pre-K classroom, children don't just learn early academics. They learn how to collaborate with peers, solve problems, manage emotions, adapt to new situations and build independence. These foundational skills help children make the most of every learning opportunity they encounter when they reach elementary school.

"One of the biggest surprises for parents is that being ready for kindergarten isn't just about what children know. It's about how they learn," said Dr. Lisa Grant, vice president of KinderCare Learning Companies' Education Programs. "A child might know their letters and numbers, but they also need to be able to join a group, follow directions, bounce back from challenges, and work through disagreements with classmates. Those everyday skills help children feel confident, participate in the classroom, and get the most out of learning."

At KinderCare Learning Centers, teachers intentionally create opportunities throughout the day for children to practice these skills while also building literacy, math, science and language knowledge. Through guided play, classroom routines, collaborative activities and teacher support, children learn how to navigate the social and academic demands they'll encounter when they transition to kindergarten.

Here are a few key skills children learn in pre-K that help them build the skills they’ll use in kindergarten and beyond. 

1. Sharing: Children need to learn that giving something away doesn’t always mean it’s gone for good. “Young children are still grasping the idea that other people have wants and needs,” said Dr. Grant. “To a four-year-old an object shared is a thing that’s given away, never to return. We have to help them understand the value of sharing, of helping others, so when they get to elementary school they’re prepared for the collective ownership of things like classroom crayons or books from the school library.”
2. Taking turns: Taking turns is a vital classroom and social skill, whether it means raising your hand and waiting your turn to speak when a teacher asks a question you know the answer to or waiting for a turn on the swings at recess. This kind of control is challenging for young children but without it a classroom quickly becomes chaotic and that hinders everyone’s ability to learn. Mastering some basic turn-taking skills in pre-K means children are better able to function within a group, creating a classroom environment in which everyone has the ability to learn.

3. Conflict resolution: At some point, every child will have a moment when they disagree with someone about something. Learning how to move past the initial disagreement and find a solution that meets everyone’s needs is the most basic kind of problem-solving and it’s a skill that any pre-K teacher helps their students with many times a day.

   “Conflict resolution is about more than stopping the argument. It’s about developing self-control, to calm yourself emotionally to the point where you’re able to think creatively to find a solution that works for everyone involved,” said Dr. Grant. “That leads to problem-solving, which is a skill that can be applied to so much more than figuring out who gets to play with a toy.”

4. Independence: Learning to manage personal responsibilities, participate in classroom routines, and make choices independently helps children transition more smoothly to kindergarten. Whether it's putting away materials, following multi-step directions, or moving confidently between activities, these everyday experiences help children build confidence and self-reliance before they enter elementary school.

As families weigh their pre-K options, it's worth looking beyond academics alone. Kindergarten readiness happens when children develop strong social-emotional, executive function, and academic skills together. What may seem like basic manners, like taking turns, sharing, learning to resolve conflict peacefully, are actually the early building blocks for collaboration, self-regulation, flexibility, and problem-solving. These skills don't just help children have a smoother transition to school. They help them become more confident learners, helpful classmates, and stronger problem-solvers throughout their educational journey.

A high-quality pre-K experience can help children transition into school. Families interested in helping their children build both the academic and life skills that support kindergarten readiness can learn more about KinderCare's pre-K programs at KinderCare.com.

(NewsUSA) - Across the Nation, millions of children are preparing to head back to school—filled with excitement, opportunity, and promise. But for far too many children, the year begins with a challenge: limited access to the books and educational resources that are essential to academic success.

That is the reality the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program is working to change through Operation Turn the Page—a nationwide back-to-school initiative built on a simple but powerful belief: Give a Book, Unlock a Future. 

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program has provided more than 63 million books and educational resources to underserved children since 2008, helping children strengthen literacy skills, stay engaged in learning, and discover the joy of reading.

Yet, the need to support literacy initiatives remains significant across the Nation, where low-income communities may have a single age-appropriate book available for every 300 children. Without access to books, many students struggle to develop the literacy skills needed for academic success, and summer learning loss can make the transition back to school even more difficult. 

That’s why Operation Turn the Page focuses on helping children in need stay connected to learning throughout the summer and return to the classroom ready to thrive.

“A single book may seem like a small gift, but for a child impacted by summer learning loss, it can open the door to possibilities they never knew existed,” says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, U.S. Marines (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “When children living in low-income communities have access to books throughout the summer, they return to school more confident, engaged, and prepared to learn. When you give a book, you unlock a future.”

Operation Turn the Page’s impact begins long before the first school bell rings and is measured not only in books distributed, but in the moments that books create. Disadvantaged children across the country receive the resources they need to keep reading, learning, and growing as they prepare for a successful return to the classroom long before the first school bell rings.

“For many of our students, receiving these books means more than just reading—it’s the beginning of their first home library and a lifelong love of learning,” said a Freedom Trail Elementary teacher after a book distribution event.

At United Elementary, more than 400 books found their new homes with students, creating excitement that extended beyond the classroom. “With over 400 new books in the hands of our students, we’re seeing excitement, pride, and a growing love of reading both in school and at home,” staff shared.

At Entheos Academy, “One student’s face lit up with pure wonder when she found a book about baseball—proof that the right book can spark a lifelong love of reading,” a teacher exclaimed.

These stories illustrate Operation Turn the Page’s mission: ensuring access to books for disadvantaged children over the summer so they can enter the classroom with confidence and a stronger foundation for success.

As children prepare to return to school, supporters have the power to help write the next chapter of their success story. A single book can inspire a love of reading, strengthen literacy skills, and help a child start the school year ready to learn. By supporting Operation Turn the Page, donors are doing more than giving a book—they are helping disadvantaged children turn the page on summer learning loss and toward academic success and a brighter future.

Because when supporters Give a Book, they Unlock a Future.

To learn more or donate, visit: https://www.toysfortots.org/programs/

(NewsUSA) - The magic of Christmas doesn’t wait until December—and neither does Marine Toys for Tots. Nationally recognized as America’s flagship children’s Christmastime charity, Toys for Tots also remains committed to delivering hope, joy, and comfort to children in need all year long. With summer underway, July is the perfect time to join Toys for Tots’ Be a Summer Santa initiative and spread Christmas magic when it’s least expected—and often most needed.

While Christmas in July may seem early to some, for children and families facing financial hardship, it can be a lifeline. Bringing the joy of the holiday season to children year-round takes planning, generosity, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child experiences moments of happiness, no matter the season.

Toys for Tots extends its mission during the summer months by delivering toys, books, and essential items to children when support is often hardest to find. Through the Program’s Be a Summer Santa initiative, generous supporters help make these summer distributions possible—bringing reassurance, joy, and meaningful moments to children long after the holiday season has passed.

That Summer Santa spirit came to life during a recent distribution event in Grand Rapids, Michigan, hosted by Storehouse of Community Resources, a redistribution partner of Good360. During the summer months, children living in low-income communities often experience the “summer gap” in resources and enrichment, and year-round donor support is essential to continue bridging that gap. At the event, Toys for Tots provided two brand-new toys each to 1,600 children. For many, these gifts were their first new toys all summer.

For families attending, the impact went far beyond material items. One mother of three shared that her children had been asking all summer when they could do something fun, and she had been struggling to stretch her budget. When she realized each of her children could pick out two new toys, she became emotional, saying, “I didn’t think they were going to get anything new this summer. This means more than you know.” Her daughter clutched her new game and doll tightly for the rest of the evening—a small but powerful reminder of what these moments mean.

“Summertime distributions like these are not about recreating Christmas morning, but about extending its meaning,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Being a Summer Santa means creating moments of happiness during times of uncertainty, strengthening communities, and reminding families they are not alone.”

Summertime distributions are made possible by supporters who choose to give beyond December. By embracing the role of Summer Santas, supporters help Toys for Tots meet children’s needs whenever they arise—working through strong nonprofit partnerships across the Nation to deliver hope, joy, and the lasting message that every child matters.

Join Toys for Tots’ Be a Summer Santa initiative and help deliver Christmas in July magic to disadvantaged children nationwide. To learn more about Toys for Tots or to donate, visit toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - June marks the start of summer—a season defined by adventure, exploration, and the simple joys of childhood. June also highlights National Fishing Week, celebrated June 6-14, making it the perfect time for Marine Toys for Tots to champion outdoor play through its Give and Go: Outdoor Adventures Start with You initiative. Building on meaningful experiences that connect children with nature, the initiative helps children discover the confidence, curiosity, and joy that come from spending time outdoors.

In support of this initiative and in the spirit of National Fishing Week, Toys for Tots partnered with local Toys for Tots Coordinator Gina Capate to host a hands-on fishing event in Maple Shade, New Jersey—giving foster children a chance to connect with nature in a fun, supportive setting.

On a warm morning, 24 local foster children gathered by the water, not only to learn how to fish, but to experience something deeper: a sense of belonging. Alongside volunteers, local leaders, and law enforcement officers—many of whom personally invited and mentored the children—they practiced patience, teamwork, and resilience. What organizers fondly referred to as the “Cops and Boppers” event became more than recreation—it was a powerful example of how relationships and trust are built through shared, positive experiences.

Each child left with a fishing pole and a bag of their own, but also with an enduring feeling that their community sees them, values them, and is willing to invest in their happiness. Moments like these may seem small, but they are seeds of confidence and possibility that extend far beyond a single day.

“This fishing event was about more than spending time on the water—it was about creating moments where children feel supported, encouraged, and included,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity to spark confidence that can last a lifetime.”

For millions of underserved children, access to these opportunities is far less certain, but no less important. Safe outdoor play, educational toys, and enriching books are not always within reach.

Ensuring opportunities for these children is the heart of our Give and Go: Outdoor Adventures Start with You initiative.

“Outdoor experiences help children discover confidence, patience, and a sense of possibility that stays with them long after the day ends. Every child deserves the chance to step outside, try something new, and realize what they are capable of,” said Lieutenant General Laster.

It is often in these moments that children begin to recognize their own potential. These aren’t grand experiences, but they are powerful ones. Through Give and Go: Outdoor Adventures Start with You, donations are transformed into fishing poles that teach new skills, soccer balls that spark a new hobby, books that ignite curiosity about the world, or games that encourage creativity and problem-solving. These experiences create space for children to simply be children.

This is what the American public’s generosity makes possible—and why outdoor play, educational toys, and meaningful experiences remain at the heart of Toys for Tots’ mission. Your generosity helps ensure that moments like this aren’t the exception—but something all children can count on.

Because Outdoor Adventures Start with You—and every child deserves to be celebrated.

To learn more about Toys for Tots and its year-round mission or to donate, visit toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - National Foster Care Day, observed on the first Tuesday of May, serves as a reminder of the hundreds of thousands of children across the United States in foster care who need stability, encouragement, and hope. The Marine Toys for Tots Foster Care Program’s Room for Joy initiative stands ready to support children navigating the foster care system based on the belief that even a single donation can create meaningful impact and make Room for Joy in the heart of a foster child.

Imagine being a young child or teen, suddenly removed from everything familiar and handed a single bag in which to hold your life’s belongings. This is the painful reality for more than 400,000 at-risk children, including those in foster care, in the United States today. That’s why, this National Foster Care Month, Toys for Tots’ Foster Care Program is highlighting the profound impact supporters can have on young people facing the uncertainty of the foster care system.

In 2025, the Program partnered with local organizations nationwide to deliver emotional‑relief packages that included toys, books, backpacks, and educational resources to nearly 375,000 at-risk children, including those in foster care. These items did more than bring temporary comfort; they reassured children that even in moments of upheaval, there is still Room for Joy.

“Our Foster Care Program is about far more than delivering toys or books—it’s about restoring hope, creating moments of stability, and reminding foster children that they truly matter,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Because of our donors, we’re able to create real Room for Joy—one transformative gift at a time.”

The generosity of donors extends far beyond the walls of foster homes—it creates lasting, lifechanging impact, as illustrated by the powerful story of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Taylor Bills.

LCpl Bills grew up surrounded by instability. He moved frequently between parents, watched his siblings move through child protective services, and navigated a childhood shaped by uncertainty. Yet even amid adversity, he discovered moments where there was Room for Joy—often through acts of giving. He volunteered with local foster care organizations and eventually with his local Toys for Tots Chapter, an experience that left a permanent imprint.

LCpl Bills recalls standing in a school gym filled with toys during a Toys for Tots distribution event. As he watched children—many of whom reminded him of himself—walk away smiling with something new to call their own; he felt a deep sense of connection and purpose. “I recognized some of the kids, and being able to watch them receive a gift and respond with a smile was really heartwarming,” LCpl Bills shared.

Determined to change the trajectory of his own life and serve as an example for children facing similar struggles, LCpl Bills enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

This is the power of supporters’ generosity. From a childhood marked by instability to a career serving his country, LCpl Bills found purpose and hope because others stepped forward to help.

“Just because you can't see what's right in front of you today or tomorrow doesn't mean that something good isn't there,” said LCpl Bills. “So don't give up. You are in control of your future, and it's not too late to do something great.”

To learn more about the Marine Toys for Tots Foster Care Program or to donate, visit: https://www.toysfortots.org/programs/foster-children/.

(NewsUSA) - For nearly eight decades, the Marine Toys for Tots Program has brought hope and joy to disadvantaged children across the United States. What began as a Christmastime tradition has become a year‑round mission to deliver emotional comfort, educational resources, and critical support to millions of children in need. This impact is possible because of the generosity of the American public and through partnerships that raise awareness about the year-round mission and of the needs of children nationwide.

This Spring, two powerful forces amplified the mission: the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) team and The Balancing Act, the nationally televised morning show on Lifetime Television, hosted by longtime Toys for Tots advocate Montel Williams. These partnerships underscored one simple truth: Hope is most powerful when it is shared.

On Friday, April 17^th, The Balancing Act aired a dedicated segment on the Marine Toys for Tots Program. During the segment, Marine Toys for Tots President & CEO Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired) joined Montel Williams to discuss how the Program has evolved into a year-round force for good. Their conversation showcased the breadth of Toys for Tots’ programs—all created to support children long after the holidays have passed. Montel’s personal commitment to service, veterans, and uplifting families made this segment especially meaningful and introduced millions of viewers to the heart behind the mission.

“Our segment on The Balancing Act gave us an extraordinary opportunity to show families nationwide that Toys for Tots delivers hope throughout the year,” says LtGen Laster. "Reaching viewers in their homes deepened our ability to connect children with the support and comfort they deserve."

Then, on Sunday, April 19^th, the No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet, driven by Austin Dillon, took to the track in Kansas City as part of the Rev Up for Hope initiative to raise awareness for the Toys for Tots Disaster Response and Recovery Program.

Race weekend represented more than the excitement of competition. Just as Austin Dillon relies on focus and preparation, Toys for Tots maintains year‑round readiness to deliver toys, books, and emotional relief packages to families facing devastating loss—whether from natural disasters, displacement, or financial hardship.

“As Austin Dillon took the track, he carried with him the impact of every donor who believes in our mission. Each lap symbolized the hope we deliver to children facing hardship,” said LtGen Laster. “This partnership with Richard Childress Racing and race day gave us a powerful platform, but it’s the generosity of our supporters that transforms awareness into real, life‑changing help for children.”

By joining forces on the track and on the air, these partnerships help extend Toys for Tots’ impact to more children and families when it matters most. Thanks to the American public’s generosity, Toys for Tots can continue uplifting children across America—one lap, one story, and one act of kindness at a time. Hope doesn’t happen by accident; it happens because people choose to care.

To learn more about the Marine Toys for Tots Program and its year‑round mission, or to donate, visit www.toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - March is National Reading Month, a time to celebrate the power of reading and the role it plays in shaping a child’s future. Yet for many children living in poverty, access to age-appropriate books is limited. That’s why our Toys for Tots Literacy Program is reaffirming its commitment to delivering books and educational resources to children in low-income communities this year through its Chapters of Change initiative.

Since its inception, our Toys for Tots Literacy Program has provided nearly 63 million books to children in need. In 2025 alone, the Program distributed 2.8 million books to children living in low-income communities and attending Title I funded schools.

Literacy is more than words on a page—it builds confidence, fuels curiosity, and opens doors to opportunity. But without access to books, many children struggle to keep up in school and to see their own potential. This is where our donors help turn the page on poverty.

“Through the generosity of our supporters, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program ensures that books become tools for learning, sources of comfort, and sparks for imagination,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “For a child who is struggling, one book can mark the beginning of a brand-new chapter.”

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 67% of fourth graders read below the basic level, and one in four children in America will grow up without learning to read. These concerning statistics underscore why our Program is committed to creating Chapters of Change.

We saw this impact firsthand on the faces of young readers in Columbia, South Carolina. Through our partnership with South Carolina First Steps, more than 300 copies of The Smile were distributed to preschool children and their families at EdVenture Children’s Museum. Parents praised the book’s uplifting message and vibrant illustrations, while children embraced stories and characters that looked like them and reflected their dreams. In that moment, reading became more than a skill—it became an invitation.

“Events like this remind us that when children receive meaningful books, they receive more than stories—they receive encouragement, representation, and pride. Those sparks fuel a child’s desire to read, learn, and imagine a future beyond their circumstances,” said Lieutenant General Laster.

This National Reading Month, Toys for Tots invites supporters to help children build a foundation for lifelong learning. Your support ensures that more children have the chance to learn, grow, and thrive through the power of literacy.

To learn more about our Toys for Tots Literacy Program or donate, visit www.toysfortots.org.