U.S Marine Corps Reserves and the Food Bank delivered toys to underprivileged children, as well as those affected by wildfires.

While the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is known for distributing nutritious food to the community, there are other items that the Food Bank offers. For example, household essentials like paper towels, napkins, and laundry detergent are offered to our partner agencies as optional items. The Food Bank also provides menstrual hygiene products and diapers to partner agencies for distribution.

While these items are always welcomed among the community, there’s nothing like bringing a smile to a child’s face. 

When the wildfires started, hundreds of companies, organizations and foundations reached out to the Food Bank to see how they could make a difference. Among them is the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Their mission started back in Los Angeles in 1947 with Major Bill Hendricks and his wife, Diane, aiming to provide economically disadvantaged children with a homemade toy for Christmas, a time when children expect a gift. The first year was a hit, with 5,000 toys distributed, however, the Foundation has grown significantly, and in 2023, they distributed 25.5 million toys that have brought endless smiles to underprivileged children.

Those who have lost their homes due to the wildfires have lost everything inside of them in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. While adults deal with the aftermath and rebuilding process, the Food Bank and the Toys for Tots Foundation teamed up to bring a moment of happiness to those children affected by the fires, as well as economically disadvantaged children throughout LA County through the Food Bank’s Children’s Programs and hundreds of partner agencies.

The All Peoples Community Center in South Los Angeles is among those partner agencies. Located in a low-income neighborhood, many of the children who attend the preschool program have never owned a brand-new toy. When participating Marine Corps Reserves arrived at each classroom, the young children’s eyes gleamed as they saw a cartful of new toys roll in with their heroes. 

Now, as a Marine, Winston is able to give back to the community by providing young children toys that one day changed his life.

“It’s kind of like giving back to my community and actually being able to make a difference to one’s heart that I was actually affected by as well so it gives me joy,” Sargent Winston said. “I’m kind of like a kid again. The toys can definitely make a big impact especially as a child. That simple fluffy, Lego or Crayola set can make a big difference through necessity, but definitely the toys kind of bring that extra ‘oomph’ to that environment, to that kid, and for that family as well.”

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank extends its gratitude to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for its generous donation that spread smiles and joy across LA County. Together, We Feed LA.