Backstory: Toys for Tots

The more than 75-year success story of Toys for Tots may seem like a fairly simple story: the Marine Corp reserve starts up a holiday charity for needy kids. But there’s more to it than that. From humble, almost accidental beginnings in 1947, the program was able to grow through a unique mix of show business connections, celebrity endorsements, political influence, post World War II America, and…Walt Disney.

Music in this episode

• “Lullaby” — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
• “Toys for Tots” — Nat King Cole, via Toys for Tots Foundation, used with permission
• “Feelings of Twilight” — Shady Dave, via Freesound
• “Silent Night” — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay
• “Germination” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
• “Eternal Hope” — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library

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Book

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday’s Traditions makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. Available in hardcover and audiobook. Find it wherever books are sold, like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.