The Toys for Tots Literacy Program distributed 2.8 million books in 2024 and has distributed over 59 million books to disadvantaged children in local communities across the country since the Program’s inception in 2008.

Mission and Background

The basis of effective communication lies in literacy. Without access to books, children struggle to read effectively. Due to this, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation launched the Literacy Program in 2008. Our Program is a year-round initiative to support children in need across our Nation. Since the Program’s inception, Toys for Tots has distributed over 59 million books offering children accessibility to entertaining and enriching stories and learning materials.

What to Know

Literacy forms the foundation of communication and impacts many areas of a child’s life such as academic achievement, interacting with others, and the ability to be successful throughout life. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program not only brings the joy of reading to less fortunate children, but it also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Marine Toys for Tots, an official activity of the United States Marine Corps, strives to reflect the outstanding image of our Corps of Marines. We are hopeful that this Program plays a role in educating our Nation’s most precious resource – our children – one book at a time!

How it Works

Every donation to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program benefits local children in your communities that are in need or the libraries, schools, and existing programs that serve them. Providing children’s books to families will offer these children a fun way to close the reading gap and help improve their academic success. Literacy is the backbone for success in life, and Toys for Tots wants every child to experience the joy of reading, and that starts with having access to age-appropriate books.

Support to Title I Schools

The Foundation partners with NAESPA, the National Association of ESEA – Elementary and Secondary Education Act – State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) with our annual Title I School project. During March, which is National Reading Month, NAESPA forwards a letter from the Foundation’s President & CEO, Lieutenant General Laster, to their network of State Program Administrators with instructions on how to request support from the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. The State Program Administrators then distribute that information to Title I schools who then submit their requests. We provide reading level appropriate books that focus on topics, as much as possible, on subjects that provide children with the tools necessary to be successful throughout their lives. Books that focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and titles that provide entertainment and enrichment. Due to the generosity of our donors, books are shipped directly to the schools at zero cost to them. You, our amazing donors, increase the number of books children receive annually through your generous contributions to this important Program.

Support to Organizations/Events

If your business or organization would like to request books for an event, please contact your local Toys for Tots Chapter to see if they can support. Although many of our local chapters, run by Marines or volunteers, are not available outside the Christmas season, some may be able to assist you. Many local Coordinators take part in activities and events during other times of the year besides Christmas. These Coordinators understand how to support events and activities within their local communities outside of the normal Christmas campaign.