(NewsUSA) - As the first signs of the holiday season appear across America, the Marine Toys for Tots Program is rallying the Nation’s compassion. With the launch of its 78th annual Holiday Campaign, this cherished tradition renews its mission to deliver not just gifts, but hope, dignity, and joy to millions of children living in poverty.

From October 1st through December 25th, U.S. Marines, Local Community Organizations (LCOs), and thousands of dedicated volunteers will unite in nearly 880 local Toys for Tots chapters across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their shared goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that no child wakes up forgotten on Christmas morning.

When nearly 40% of American children live in households struggling to make ends meet, holiday joy can feel heartbreakingly out of reach. For many families, warmth, stability, and even play have become luxuries. Toys for Tots stands ready to provide holiday hope—one toy, one book, one act of kindness at a time.

Toys for Tots recognized National Child Poverty Day on October 17th, a day to remember that behind every statistic is a child who deserves to feel seen and valued. Through the collective generosity of communities nationwide, Toys for Tots delivers far more than toys—together with our donors and volunteers, we deliver hope, emotional relief, and a belief in a brighter future.

“Bringing the magic of Christmas to children in need takes a united effort,” says LtGen James B. Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “When we hear of a family facing hardship, our Marines and volunteers rise to the occasion—working tirelessly to make sure no child is left without hope and joy during Christmastime.”

Last year alone, Toys for Tots distributed more than 30 million toys, books, and gifts to nearly 13 million children—the largest outreach in the Program’s history, but the need remains urgent. More families are reaching out, with parents working multiple jobs just to put food on the table and praying for a Christmas miracle. That’s when the spirit of Toys for Tots comes alive—when ordinary people transform hardship into holiday magic.

That magic found its way to three-year-old Nico, who had one simple wish: a “doggy.” After losing their home, Nico and his mother, Mira, were living out of a car. “I felt like the world’s worst mom,” Mira said. “We had no home, no presents—how could I possibly give him a dog?”

Thanks to the compassion of donors and the swift efforts of local volunteers, Nico awoke on Christmas morning to find a walkable toy dog and a book about dog breeds. “I hadn’t seen him smile like that since we lost our home,” Mira recalled. “That night, he fell asleep holding the toy in his arms.”

For a child in crisis, a toy isn’t just a gift—it’s a message that says you are loved and remembered, and that your dreams matter.

Throughout this holiday season, Toys for Tots reminds every American that the smallest act of giving can change a life. You can help create more moments like Nico’s—where a child’s smile says everything.

To learn more or make a donation, visit toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - On Sunday, September 21^st, Marine Toys for Tots returned to the racetrack with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), proudly sponsoring Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet in New Hampshire. But this race wasn't just about speed— it was about heart, hope, and the power of possibility through the impact of Toys for Tots and supporters across the Nation.  

As Austin Dillon revved up for race day, his car carried more than horsepower—it carried a mission. The No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet represented Marine Toys for Tots' unwavering commitment to delivering toys, books, and resources to children living in poverty. Each lap was a testament to the belief that every child deserves the chance to dream big and chase brighter tomorrows.  

With every lap, we spotlighted the urgent need to fuel children’s journeys with toys, books, and educational resources that open doors to brighter futures. Every gift delivered represents hope in action—showing children they matter, they're valued, and their futures hold unlimited potential.  

Partnerships with organizations such as Richard Childress Racing are absolutely vital to advancing Toys for Tots’ year-round mission. “While many recognize Toys for Tots as the Nation’s flagship children's Christmastime charity, our work continues throughout the year—delivering toys, books, comfort and emergency assistance to families in crisis. High-profile collaborations like this amplify our message that childhood poverty doesn't take a break, and neither do we,” said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. 

"Racing reaches millions of fans who understand perseverance and the drive to succeed," LtGen Laster continued.  "When Austin raced the track in our colors, he carried our message to new audiences nationwide—audiences who know what it means to never give up.”  

Together, we turned every lap into lasting joy. With every donation, we fueled futures and crossed the finish line toward brighter tomorrows filled with possibilities and promises for disadvantaged children across the Nation.  

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

(NewsUSA) - The end of summer means back-to-school season for families across the country. As parents shop for new backpacks and clothes, they should be sure not to overlook one of the most important parts of the back-to-school checklist – the visual health of their child.

During the first years of life, a child's vision is constantly changing and developing. Healthy eyes and quality vision are important for reading, writing, and learning in the classroom, and vision issues that are left undiagnosed and untreated can lead to learning disabilities and delays in development. That’s where vision screening comes in.

“Clear vision is important for success in school and at home,” said Dr. David Hunter, president of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). “Kids don’t always realize that they have vision problems, as they often assume that everyone else sees the world the same way that they do. That is why regular vision screenings are so important. Good vision increases not only their ability to learn, but also their self-confidence. And vision screening in the early years can detect treatable conditions like amblyopia (‘lazy eye’).”

To increase access to eye exams for kids who are referred by vision screening, the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS funds the All Children See program. The program provides an opportunity for kids who are uninsured or underinsured to receive a no-cost comprehensive eye exam from a volunteer pediatric ophthalmologist near them. The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) is an organization of more than 2,000 pediatric ophthalmologists working across the U.S. and Canada to advance the quality of children's eye care. The Children's Eye Foundation is its philanthropic arm, which works to improve quality of life for visually impaired kids worldwide. 

“Early and frequent vision screenings can mean the difference between permanent vision loss and a lifetime of good vision,” said Dr. Christie Morse, executive vice president of the Children’s Eye Foundation. “Our AAPOS doctors envision a world where every child is thriving with the best sight possible.”

School nurses who might be unsure when to refer a child to their pediatric ophthalmologist can find guidance at childrenseyefoundation.org. Nurses and parents are encouraged to look out for these warning signs, even if a child is not referred by vision screening:

• Does not read at grade level
• Misaligned eyes
• Squinting

Backpacks, pencils, new clothes, and good vision are the perfect recipe for a great school year!

(NewsUSA) - For millions of children across America, the back-to-school season is filled with excitement and promise. But for far too many, it begins without access to books—the most critical tool for academic success. Every student deserves to walk into school embraced by the excitement of learning—not burdened by what they lack.  Marine Toys for Tots—the Nation’s premier Christmastime children’s charity—has grown into a powerful, year-round force for good. Among its year-round programs, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues to provide pages of possibility and ignite a love of reading to disadvantaged children well beyond the holiday season through Operation Turn the Page.

The Operation Turn the Page initiative focuses on reaching children in underserved communities who are attending Title I funded schools, where access to books and literacy resources is limited. By distributing high-quality, age-appropriate books and educational resources through schools, libraries, and trusted community partners, the Program empowers children to strengthen reading skills—and unlock their full potential.

“A backpack, notebook, or set of pencils might seem like small items, but for a child who has none of these essentials, they represent hope, dignity, and the chance to start school on equal footing with their peers,” says LtGen Laster, CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

This need is urgent:  National assessments show that two-thirds of American fourth graders are not reading proficiently—and more than a third are reading below grade level. Without early intervention, these children fall further behind—facing challenges in school that often carry into adulthood.

“Reading is the foundation for everything—education, opportunity, and lifelong success,” LtGen Laster emphasizes. “With this initiative, we’re not just providing books to children in need—we’re providing hope, confidence, and the ability to dream bigger.”

The Program provided backpacks filled with school supplies and books to hundreds of local foster children in Mt Laurel, New Jersey, as part of their back-to-school summer distributions. Thanks to local Toys for Tots Coordinator, Gina Capate, and her team of volunteers, the foster children were welcomed into a space designed just for them—a place where joy, choice, and care were front and center.

One foster child said, “I picked a book about space and one about animals. I’m going to read them both tonight!”

“For many of the children we support, the books we provide might be the first book they’ve ever owned,” LtGen Laster adds. “Each one is a building block toward a brighter future and will open a world of possibilities and opportunities for these children.”

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program also recently provided back-to-school essentials to children living in Austin, Texas. In partnership with Tackle Hunger and Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, the event welcomed hundreds of children attending Title I funded schools, and each child received essential school supplies and a toy to mark the start of a new school year—small gifts that carried big meaning.

"This wasn't just a back-to-school event—it was a reminder that every child deserves to feel prepared, seen, and celebrated," said one volunteer. 

Through Operation Turn the Page, supporters help the Toys for Tots Literacy Program provide educational resources to disadvantaged children. In 2024, the Program delivered 2.8 million books—building confidence for children who once felt left behind, developing reading skills that create lifelong learners, and filling backpacks with possibilities.

To learn more about the Toys for Tots Literacy Program and to donate, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/programs/literacy-program/. Together, let’s turn every backpack and book into a vessel of hope.

(Ro Thomas Schwarz, KidNuz Editor in Chief) - News - the good, the bad, the fake - is everywhere, all the time. It’s on our phones, feeds and in our faces 24/7.  And while that can be overwhelming for adults, it’s downright distressing for children who haven’t yet developed the skills to look beyond scary headlines, clickbait, and partisan spin.

And yet they see it, hear it, and feel it. Today’s kids desperately need - and deserve - an antidote; someplace they can go to get informed, not afraid. So we created it. KidNuz is a free, 7-minute, 6-story daily news podcast that meets kids where they’re at. It’s fun and factual, timely and nonpartisan, and age-appropriate for kids 8-13 years old who want to know what’s going on in the world — not what’s wrong with the world. Every weekday during the school year, our team of Emmy-winning journalists delivers the latest news from politics, science, sports, the animal kingdom and more. Much of the coverage is top of mind, important, and impactful, while some of it is just plain reassuring: people are more alike than they are different, kids can do remarkable things, and no one is too young make a difference. 

The podcast is on a roll. Every day, 200,000+ kids and adults tune in. Teachers point to students’ increased awareness of current events — and the informed conversations that follow. “We have our morning meeting daily discussing the most interesting topics on KidNuz,” says Julia, a 5th grade teacher from London Mills, Illinois. “I overhear them talking in the hallways, too. They are thinking deeper and challenging each other.” Parents like Kim, from Flanders, New Jersey, use KidNuz as an onramp. “When there is a news story that is difficult for me as an adult to explain because of my emotional reaction to it, it helps me to hear (KidNuz’) simplified version to have a baseline conversation with my son. Sometimes political stories, sometimes disaster stories.” 

Psychologist Elizabeth Burns-Kramer, a KidNuz advisor, is most interested in the mental health benefit; specifically, KidNuz’ ability to dial down news anxiety. "Oftentimes, (traditional news and social media) headlines and stories are framed in ways to increase fear and to portray the world as unstable. Developmentally, children are not always able to reality test headlines or to hold the nuance required when learning about complex news stories. KidNuz utilizes its team of experts in communications, psychology, and parenting to introduce and to report what is occurring in non-frightening ways.” New episodes drop every weekday morning at 7am. Tune in today!

Listen: KidNuz, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Share: Tell a parent, teacher, or school about KidNuz
Learn: Visit Kidnuz.org for additional resources
Donate: As a nonprofit, we rely on donations from our listeners and community.

(NewsUSA) - As families across the country prepare for the new school year, many are doing more than buying backpacks and pencils. They’re searching for, evaluating, and choosing from an expanded set of educational options. This year, for millions of families, the first day of classes isn’t just a return, it’s the beginning of something new. Whether a child is making an expected transition to - like starting kindergarten or transitioning to middle or high school, or switching types of schools altogether, parents are making active, thoughtful choices about where their children will learn.

That shift isn’t subtle anymore; it’s everywhere.

In a national survey conducted in June 2025, 74% of American parents with school-aged children said they considered sending at least one of their kids to a different school in the last 12 months. That's around 48 million parents thinking about their options. But far fewer actually made a change: only twenty-eight percent of parents-around 18 million of them-actually enrolled their child in a new school. And more than half say they expect to go through the process again this year.

Over the past three decades, the concept of school choice has evolved from policy discussion to lived experience. Today, families are navigating a landscape that includes public, private, charter, magnet, online, homeschooling, or microschooling. More are participating every year, and many parents are searching but not yet finding what they're looking for.

States continue to create new opportunities for education innovation. In 2025 alone, 16 states created or strengthened school choice programs, reflecting growing legislative interest in meeting families’ expectations. These changes range from education savings accounts to open enrollment policies in district schools. But the real momentum comes from parents, not policymakers.

According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, enrollment in charter schools increased by more than 80,000 students during the 23-24 school year. At the same time, more than 1 million students are now enrolled in publicly funded private school choice programs. And let's not forget that homeschooling has emerged as one of the fastest-growing education formats, especially since the pandemic, with rising interest across multiple demographics.

Families have their own proprietary blends of school choice criteria: proximity, transportation, flexibility, school culture, academics, special programs, safety, or scheduling. Some are choosing a school across district lines. Some are enrolling in a charter or magnet program. Others are looking at a public school out of their district, private, online, homeschool, or microschooling options.

What’s changed is not just the number of options available, but the mindset. More families are asking, "What’s possible?" instead of "What’s the norm?"

But as choice expands, so does complexity. Many parents don’t have a complete picture of what is possible. In our conversations with families, we hear the same questions again and again: "What are my options?" "How do I find out what’s available near me?" "Can I afford it?" "How will switching schools affect my child socially?"

For families navigating those questions, free resources can help. At myschoolchoice.com, parents can access guides like “Tips for Choosing the Right School for Your Child”, review a new guide to transportation opportunities in public or private schools of choice, and use the “Schools Near Me” search tool, covering more than 132,000 schools nationwide.

School choice has become the new normal. It's time to stop viewing educational options as a political battleground and start recognizing them as what they truly are: the new normal.

Shelby Doyle is the senior vice president of policy and national partnerships at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that maintains the nation’s largest online portfolio of English- and Spanish-language school navigation resources, available through Navigate School Choice and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares.

(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 during the holiday season, Toys for Tots remains committed to delivering hope and joy to children in need all year long.

Christmas in July might seem a little early to some, but for the children and families Toys for Tots supports, any time is the right time to start spreading tidings of comfort and joy! For Toys for Tots, the magic of Christmas begins long before December 25th — because it takes months of planning, giving, and preparing to ensure no child wakes up without something special under their tree.

As families across the United States continue to navigate ongoing financial challenges, Toys for Tots’ year-round initiatives strive to provide a sense of normalcy and comfort to disadvantaged children by delivering toys, books, and other gifts during special distributions, promoting hope for brighter days ahead.

That’s why year-round events like the one held earlier this summer in Smithfield, Virginia, for local foster children are so meaningful. Foster children represent some of our most vulnerable young people and Toys for Tots wants to remind them that holiday magic can happen any time. Thanks to the local Toys for Tots Chapter and Coordinator Elizabeth Moose, the second annual “Kids Summer Funfest” at Windsor Castle Park, brought together local foster children for a day of laughter, excitement and unforgettable memories - where they petted horses, splashed down water slides, and participated in engaging activities led by local police and fire departments.

With the help of 94 dedicated volunteers, local first responders, and civic organizations, the event provided children with toys and gifts and opportunities for outdoor activities designed to uplift and inspire. The beloved Gunny Bear also made a special appearance, spreading extra joy with hugs and playful moments alongside the children.

"Seeing the pure joy on the kids' faces as they played, laughed, and hugged Gunny Bear made every minute of volunteering worth it. Knowing we helped create a day where they felt truly celebrated—that’s what makes this event so special," said one event volunteer.

One foster parent commented, "This event gave my child a chance to just be a kid—to play, laugh, and feel special. As a foster parent, seeing them light up with joy and feeling part of something bigger was incredibly meaningful. The volunteers and community truly made a difference."

Optimism and excitement also filled the air earlier this month in McKee, Kentucky, thanks to Toys for Tots’ partnership with Christian Appalachian Project. With the help of 81 volunteers, a special summertime distribution delivered over 5,700 toys to nearly 2,000 children in the local community.

Thanks to the unwavering generosity of Toys for Tots supporters, children facing hardship receive joy and support not just during the holidays, but all year long. Their contributions make special summertime events—like Kids Summer Funfest and special summertime distributions—possible, bringing smiles and hope when it's needed most. Filling Santa’s boots is no small feat, but if anyone can rise to the challenge, it’s the Program’s dedicated donors. Every donation helps ensure that no child wakes up without a toy on Christmas morning and messages of optimism and joy extend throughout the year.

Celebrate Christmas in July with Toys for Tots and give the gift of hope year-round to disadvantaged children across the Nation by visiting toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - For children, the hours before and after the school bell rings are full of potential. For parents, they’re often the most stressful parts of the day: rushing to drop off, coordinating pickups and wondering if their child is safe and happy. That’s where a high-quality before- and after-school program becomes a game-changer.

These programs, like KinderCare’s before- and after- school provider, Champions, do more than fill time. They engage children in experiences that cultivate independence, creativity and critical thinking in intentionally different environments from the school day, while providing parents with peace of mind and a consistent routine they can count on.

Educators and curriculum development experts are increasingly recognizing these programs as vital for nurturing social-emotional learning, independence and real-world problem-solving, all within a supportive, experience-rich environment that complements the school day.

More Than Free Time: A Foundation for Life Skills

Unlike the highly structured school schedule, these programs provide children with flexibility and freedom. In that space, children make decisions, collaborate with peers, and navigate social dynamics in meaningful ways. These experiences build confidence and emotional resilience—skills that are as important as academic achievement.

“Out-of-school time isn’t just a gap in the day,” said Rurik Nackerud, KinderCare education content manager. “It’s these in-between spaces where children explore identity, navigate peer dynamics and build adaptive social-emotional skills with autonomy. It’s formative and in these informal spaces we see self-regulation, resilience, and empathy take root.”

Play That Prepares Children for the Real World

Through fun, hands-on activities, like building projects, science experiments or group games, children are learning more than how to follow directions. They’re practicing leadership, communication and creative thinking. These essential life skills are developed naturally in environments where children have both the freedom to explore and the support of caring adults.

“When learners feel trusted and seen, they lean into challenge,” said Nackerud. “We see it in the way they solve problems together, iterate on ideas and discover what they’re capable of. Confidence grows outside the structures of formal instruction that enhances academic success.”

Daily Routines That Empower Children

Beyond skill-building, before- and after-school programs also provide emotional stability and a dependable rhythm to the day. Consistent routines reduce anxiety and help children ease transitions.

“Children thrive when they know what to expect,” said Nackerud. “These programs offer predictable routines that reduce stress and open the door to deeper engagement and social connection.”

A Space for Lifelong Learning

Ultimately, these programs are about more than filling the hours during out-of-school time, including holiday and summer breaks. They’re about preparing children for life. Whether it’s encouraging a quiet child to take the lead in a group activity, helping a kindergartener learn to manage frustration, or simply giving them time to recharge, out-of-school time programs create safe, enriching spaces where children can be themselves and grow in the process.

The next time you think of before- and after-school care, consider what’s really happening: a place where children’s voices are heard, their curiosity is nurtured and their development is supported in real and lasting ways. Learn more about how Champions is helping children shine bright—before school, after school and beyond at DiscoverChampions.com. 

(NewsUSA) - Grass-stained sneakers. A shiny, round ball. A handful of four-year-olds laughing and clapping nearby. And then, for Soccer Shots participant Ben, a big moment — his very first kick.

For children like Ben, that first kick is much more; it's a step toward building confidence.

Research shows that physical activity can reduce depressive symptoms in children. In addition, for young children struggling with inadequate socialization or self-assurance, sports can be an early opportunity team building and healthy movement. However, many children retreat from youth sports because of costs and hyper-competitiveness.

Soccer Shots, a national program founded in the late 1990s by two former professional soccer players, has created quality programs that let children simply have fun. Certified coaches and a research-backed curriculum turn wobbly first steps into confident play and life lessons that last.

Soccer Shots now includes more than 340 franchises across the U.S. and Canada, with more than 600,000 children participating annually. Soccer Shots’ success goes beyond playing the game itself. The program inspires children to lead active, healthy lives, boosts their confidence, and teaches important life skills of leadership, teamwork, and respect.

"We believe every child deserves a place to play, grow, and belong," says Justin Bredeman, CEO of Soccer Shots. "The program has come a long way in 20 years, and we're incredibly proud to shape the future generation of strong, confident kids who can carry these foundational lessons with them into adulthood.”

Each Soccer Shots program is designed for children ranging from 18 months to 8 years old, with a developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes building positive character traits and real-world skills in communication, collaboration, resilience, and inclusion.

Soccer Shots' core principle is to use soccer to positively impact youth both on and off the field. Through partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Nike, the program continues to reach communities and share the impact of play across the country and the world.

Soccer Shots marks its 20th anniversary franchising in 2025 with a "20 Years of Smiles" theme that demonstrates program’s long-term impact and continued commitment to making soccer accessible, inclusive, and impactful for children of all abilities and backgrounds. Special anniversary events include Free Fun Days on Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, where families across North America are invited to experience the joy of Soccer Shots firsthand, at no cost. In addition, Soccer Shots is hosting food donation drives to give back to communities across the country through participation with local food banks.

At a time when our kids need connection and support more than ever, programs that champion inclusion, confidence, and joy aren't just valuable, they're essential. Soccer Shots is ready to score and help kids experience what’s possible. Visit birthday.soccershots.com to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Marine Toys for Tots has been delivering joy and comfort to children in need during the holiday season for 77 years. While the core of their mission is their Holiday Campaign, the Program recognizes that needs exist beyond seasonal boundaries.  That is why Toys for Tots has evolved to provide continuous support to disadvantaged children whenever they need it most.

“Your Help, Their Hope” is a powerful reminder that together, with the ongoing generosity of supporters across the Nation, we can be a source of hope for children in need throughout the year.   

“Toys for Tots’ year-round programs are a testament to our unwavering commitment that no child is ever forgotten,” said LtGen Jim Laster, President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  “‘Your Help, Their Hope’ is more than a tagline – it’s the promise that fuels our mission every day,” he emphasized.

Toys for Tots’ flagship Holiday Program continues to deliver the magic of the holiday season by distributing toys, books, and games to disadvantaged children nationwide at Christmastime. The Holiday Program also supports the Toys for Tots Native American Program which provides holiday magic to Native American children living on remote Reservations where no local campaign exists.

Toys for Tots knows that families and children face adversity year-round—whether enduring personal hardships, recovering from community-wide natural disasters, or navigating systemic challenges that persist over time. The impact of their continuous support demonstrates Toys for Tots' dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by children in vulnerable circumstances by reminding them they are not forgotten, regardless of the season:

• The Toys for Tots Literacy Program provides books and educational resources to children in low-income communities, empowering them with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed—in the classroom and beyond.
• Once critical necessities have been delivered, the Toys for Tots Disaster Response and Recovery Program provides emotional relief and comfort in the form of toys, books, and other gifts, to children whose families have lost everything in the wake of natural disasters—turning despair into hope.
• The Toys for Tots Foster Care Program provides essential resources to support children navigating the complexities of the Foster Care System, reducing anxiety while bringing stability, comfort, and a sense of belonging to their lives.

 “That is the power of our comprehensive programs and the impact of our supporters,” added LtGen Laster.  “We can support millions more children each year, delivering hope to those who so desperately need a reason to believe in a brighter future.”

With the continued generosity of supporters, Marine Toys for Tots can remind children that they are not forgotten no matter the time of year—providing hope, comfort, and joy whenever they are needed most.

To learn more about their year-round programs, or to donate and help deliver hope at Christmastime and beyond, please visit www.toysfortots.org.