When thinking of Christmas traditions, what typically comes to mind? For many of us, a brightly lit tree, delectable homemade treats, and a candlelit visit to church round out the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, Christmas is a very stressful time, and even one of sadness and disappointment when the Christmas list can’t seem to be met, and all of Santa’s bounty is just out of reach. Fortunately for Greene County and many other communities across the country, Toys for Tots is a Christmas tradition that brings hope to the struggles of the season.
Toys for Tots is an organization founded entirely by Marines with a heart for less fortunate children that may not receive a Christmas present otherwise. The Marine Toys for Tots program was started in 1947 in Los Angeles, California, by a USMC Major, Bill Hendricks. Five thousand toys were collected that first year, with the first toy being a doll made by Major Hendrick’s wife. In the nearly eighty years since its inception, Toys for Tots has spread across America by small groups of United States Marines, little by little, to its current status as a nationally recognized entity with a presence in all fifty states.
Laura Walters, a lifelong volunteer for and now co-chair of Toys for Tots in Greene County, says that the organization is a family tradition. Laura’s Uncle John “Buzz” Walters, Father Jim Walters, and Uncle Bob Walters, in addition to Bob Varesko, Jim Caputo, Max Deveka, Mae Richardson, Dick Morgan, Andrew Matty, Murray Williams, and Frank Novasky – all of whom were U.S. Marines—founded the Greene County Toys for Tots program in 1980. “We hold these Marines close in our hearts for making Toys for Tots possible,” says Laura. This year marks the 44th annual Toys for Tots event in Greene County.
Laura and her sister, Barb Walters, remember helping their father in the founding years of the program. “We’ve been involved from the get-go. We started this with our dad my senior year in high school,” Laura remembers. Since her uncle Buzz’s passing on December 16, 2022, Laura sums it up simply: “My sister and I just want to continue the legacy of our dad and our uncles.”
Laura Walters and Lori Paletta-Davis are co-chairs of the 2024 Greene County Toys for Tots Program, which operates as part of the national program through a partnership with the Washington County program. Laura and Lori, along with other project coordinators across the country, receive training both in-person and online from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
An equally significant contribution to the evolution of the Greene County Toys for Tots program comes in the form of local support. “The community has made Toys for Tots what it is,” Laura says with gratitude.
Both individuals and businesses support the annual toy drive and distribution event through donations, volunteer power, and providing toy drop-off boxes on business premises. Organizations like First Federal Savings and Loan of Greene County, Community Bank, Carmichaels Dollar General, Michaels Auto, Waynesburg VFW Post 4793, SCI Greene, Cumberland Township Police, and Carmichaels and West Greene School Districts, to name a few, have all taken up the call to make Christmas a little brighter this year.
The Greene County Toys for Tots team is also extremely grateful to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles for their donation of $8,100, which it generated through local fundraisers for the purchase of toys for this year’s event.
Additionally, we “have to give a shout out to volunteers either being onsite the day of toy distribution or donating toys or setting up boxes,” exclaims Laura.
“You would have to have a whole page to list all the volunteers,” Barb states. “Prices are up 20%, even 30% in some places, and Toys for Tots can help,” she continues.
Distribution day will be held on Saturday December 14 this year, from 10 am to 12 pm at two locations: the Waynesburg Fairgrounds and the Carmichaels Activity Center on Nemacolin Road. Volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that children receive brand-new, good quality, and up-to-date toys under their Christmas trees. “We spend time online looking at what’s popular,” Barb shares. “Our mom is 85,” she continues, “and she loves shopping. She will ask individuals of all ages what toys are popular this year.”
“You’ve got to admit,” Barb says to Laura, “the toys we’ve gotten, they’re very nice.”
The event itself has taken on a streamlined look at many facilities across the country, but both Waynesburg and Carmichaels locations have been able to retain a more personal approach in regards to shopping and one-on-one interactions. “Volunteers at the event help parents shop, which is fortunately a completely hands-on approach. Not all Toys for Tots sites across the U.S. are able to offer such a personal touch,” Laura explains.
Parents and guardians attending the event must come prepared with the following two documents: (1) proof of residence in Greene County, and (2) a medical card for each child they are shopping for – from newborns to age 12. After presenting these documents, parents/guardians are welcome to shop for the perfect gifts. Barb explains, “It’s organized like a store by age and other groupings: for example, baby and barbie dolls, trucks and cars, and infant appropriate items.”
Volunteers act as “shopping assistants” to help parents navigate the many options available on the floor. According to Laura, “It’s a well-oiled machine.”
Many who come to the event are overwhelmed, but volunteers are aware of and familiar with the environment to help the shoppers get their bearings and point them in the right direction.
Barb shares that attendees are “very forthcoming with information. There is never any arguing, they’re thankful for anything they get.”
A common story shared with volunteers is that without this opportunity, the family “would have had nothing.” Laura says she has heard similar stories from many of the people who have attended Toys for Tots events, and they are definitely emotional ones.
“One person said, ‘If it weren’t for Toys for Tots, I would have never had toys for Christmas as a child.’ I cried on the spot,” Laura reflects.
Barb recalls that “Those who come through often ask ‘is there anything I can do?’ They are very gracious.” Barb continues, “This is one program where people want to know how they can help.”
The overarching statement is, “I just want my kids to have a Christmas.” And thanks to the unwavering generosity of local people and businesses, including many volunteers at every level, more people can experience just that.
Toys for Tots “has changed lives to where [people] want to give back to their community because they received a toy,” Barb says. When asked why the program continues, she responds, “it’s bringing joy to those who need it.” Now that’s a Christmas tradition we all could use a little more of.
