Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks.
The mission of the program is "to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas."
The stated goal is to "deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens."
However, since the initial conception of their mission statement, Toys for Tots has expanded their efforts year-round to promote literacy amongst underprivileged children with their Literacy Program, and they now provide toys and books to Native American children through their Native American program. With those changes in mind, one could say their mission has evolved now to be one that is diligently altruistic in providing joy and books to children in need across America, no matter the season.