The Journey of a “Toys for Tots” Toy!

About the Book

Follow Ted, a “Toys for Tots” toy, as he travels from the store shelves to his final destination . . . . where he becomes a special gift to a child on Christmas morning. One Christmas in 1947, Diane Hendricks, wife of Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, made a doll and wanted her husband to go out and give the toy to an organization designed to help children in need. When he explained to her that no such organization existed, she demanded that they start one. In 1948, the proud tradition of Marines bringing toys to children in need on Christmas evolved into what is now known as “Toys for Tots”.

About the Author

Rebecca Varicak is the proud wife of a Marine and mother to three wonderful children. When stationed in Quantico, Virginia, she had the privilege of working at the Toys for Tots Foundation where her passion for the organization began. It was there that she witnessed firsthand how the program worked and was so impressed by their dedication that she never turned down an opportunity to support the cause. After her husband was selected as Inspector-Instructor of Headquarters & Service Battalion, 4th MLG, in Marietta, Georgia, she became the volunteer coordinator for the Atlanta Toys for Tots campaign. She was amazed by all of the volunteers and Marines who gave countless hours of their time in order to see the program succeed. When trying to describe to her then five year old daughter what Toys for Tots is, she decided to explain it in a children’s book. With the encouragement of family, friends, and complete strangers, (you know who you are) the project is finally complete!