Black Gold H-D is Your Official Toys for Tots Drop-Off Location in Allen TX
This year, you could make Christmas special for the less fortunate by participating in the Marine Toys for Tots program. There may never have been a time when hope is more needed. One of the reasons we're most proud of our Harley-Davidson® family is that we know every time there's a need in our community, we're amazed by how you demonstrate kindness and generosity to those who need it most.
What is the Marine Toys for Tots Program?
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation exists to give economically disadvantaged children a tangible sign of hope every year at Christmas. The U.S. Marine Corp designates a Marine to act as Toys for Tots Coordinator for specific communities and that Coordinator plans, organizes and conducts a campaign to gather toys for area children.
Collection starts in October and goes through mid to late December. Community members are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to drop-off locations where the coordinators gather them and store them. Before Christmas, they sort toys by age and gender, then work with community agencies to distribute them before the holidays.
Local businesses also play a role by providing drop-off locations and space for storing and sorting the toys during collection months. We also sponsor toy raising events and help the Foundation publicize the drive and collect toys.
Why is 2020 Such an Important Year to Donate?
The U.S. Marine Corps believes children are one of our nation's most valuable resources. Yet one in six American children, nearly 11.9 million of them live in poverty. The statistics are astonishing.
- Children are considered poor if their family has an annual income below $25,701 for a family of four. One in six American children falls into this group.
- Poverty affects ethnic groups disproportionately. Over 30 percent of black children, 29.1 percent of American Indian/Alaska Native children and 23.7 percent of Hispanic children live in poverty compared to 8.9 percent of white children.
- Poor children are at greater risk of low academic achievement, dropping out of high school, experiencing unemployment and economic hardship and being involved in the criminal justice system. They're also at greater health risks.
- This year, many families have lost income due to COVID-19, leaving children more vulnerable to poverty. The number of children living in poor households is expected to skyrocket by the end of the year.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation points out, "Each child has a choice of two paths to the future. One path leads to a productive life as an asset to the community. The other path leads to a life of dependency on the community for support. Without outside help, the path of least resistance is too often the path to a life of dependency...One of the best means of dealing with these three poverty by-products is through mentoring programs. Since it is not possible for all children who live in poverty situations to have the benefit of mentoring programs, alternative means of doing the job must be pursued. Fortunately, alternative programs exist. Toys for Tots is one such alternative. It is a unique passive mentoring program that provides a ray of hope for the future."
Toys for Tots Gifts Are Hope
Some children who come from humble beginnings grow up to be overcomers, and they often credit difficulty during childhood with giving them the tools for later success. Others from the exact same background seem to struggle for a lifetime, and pass that struggle on to the next generation. Among the overcomers echoes a recurring theme of hope.
They believe a better future is possible, that they aren't trapped in a cycle of poverty and disadvantage. They believe they are capable of achieving their goals and keep working toward a purposeful, meaningful life. Hope allows them to overcome adversity.
The Marine Toys for Tots foundation seeks to foster that hope by providing resources at a time of year when children in poverty might otherwise be the saddest, most disadvantaged, most neglected. When you donate you don't just give a toy, you become part of offering a brighter future.
What Can You Donate?
Donate almost any new toy you think a child might enjoy. Here are a few ideas of popular toy types:
- Educational toys
- Dress up sets
- Arts and crafts
- Building block sets
- Handheld electronics
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
- Skateboards or scooters
- Dolls and doll accessories
Avoid These Toy Types
Stay away from used toys, toys that look like weapons, any type of toy that contains food or toys that contain chemicals like science lab kits or experimental project kits. It's also a good idea to stay away from toys that have a lot of parts that could be lost.
Where to Drop Off Toys for Tots Donations
Bring your unwrapped toy to Black Gold Harley-Davidson® in Allen TX and leave it in the Toys for Tots bin inside the store. We'll take care of the rest.
Other Ways to Help
If you prefer to leave the shopping to someone else, you can still make a child's Christmas brighter. Donate online through the Marine Toys for Tots website.
Another way you can help is by raising awareness of the need for toys and the dropoff location. Share this article on your social media feed to help us let more people know about this year's Marine Toys for Tots. And if you have questions, feel free to get in touch.