Gifts of Hope: Empowering Foster Futures – Marine Toys for Tots Expands Support to Foster Children During National Foster Care Month

"The Foster Care Program provides children with something tangible, as many leave home with just a small bag of belongings. The Program offers backpacks filled with educational resources and toys—reminding them they valued." LtGen Laster.

Every two minutes, a child enters the Foster Care System in the United States, leaving behind everything familiar—their home, school, and friends. By the age of eight, many have faced more hardships than most experiences in a lifetime, and they may carry the painful weight of feeling unseen and unloved. This May, for National Foster Care Month, Marine Toys for Tots is expanding their Gifts of Hope: Empowering Foster Futures initiative to support children in Foster Care.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foster Care Program is dedicated to providing comfort, joy, and a profound sense of belonging to children in the Foster Care System by ensuring they receive toys, books, and educational resources—reminders that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

"The Program is about more than just giving a toy or book—it’s about instilling hope, creating stability, and showing foster children they matter," said LtGen Jim Laster, CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Each donation, no matter the size, has a profound impact on empowering foster futures."

Toys for Tots works closely with local organizations and agencies—including police departments, city officials, celebrities, and business partners—to supply toys, books, educational resources, backpacks, and comforting items that help ease anxiety during uncertain transitions for foster children. In 2024, Toys for Tots provided support to over 519,000 at-risk children, including those in Foster Care—sending a powerful message that they are supported and capable of building brighter futures.

This National Foster Care Month, Toys for Tots is providing organizations across the Nation with emotional care packages to distribute to foster children during special community events. The first foster event in support of their Gifts of Hope: Empowering Foster Futures initiative was held in Sarasota, Florida. Two local Foster Care organizations, the Twig and Safe Children Coalition, partnered with local Toys for Tots Coordinator, Desiree Jennings, to provide backpacks filled with educational activities to 350 foster children, ensuring they have the tools and inspiration to continue learning and growing.

"The transformation we witnessed as children explored their new backpacks was remarkable—eyes lighting up with possibilities rather than uncertainty," shared a program volunteer. "These moments of connection remind these children they belong to a community that believes in them."

Foster children face the trauma of being uprooted from everything familiar and placed into completely unknown situations. They have already endured so much. Marine Toys for Tots is committed to providing foster children with resources to help them navigate uncertain times and serve as beacons of hope toward empowered futures.

Through Toys for Tots, every gift represents possibility, and every foster child deserves to feel valued and supported on their journey. Visit www.toysfortots.org to learn more about the Foster Care Program or donate.

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Media Contact
Company Name: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Contact Person: Ted Silvester, Vice President of Marketing and Development
Email: Send Email
Phone: (703) 649-2021
City: Triangle
State: Virginia
Country: United States
Website: https://www.toysfortots.org/