From September 11th–14th, we proudly hosted our 2025 Annual Coordinator Training Conference in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. This year’s conference brought together more than 500 dedicated Marine Coordinators and representatives from Local Community Organizations from across the country, united by a shared mission: to bring joy, dignity, and hope to children in need.
The conference kicked off Thursday evening with the annual Meet and Greet, graciously hosted by the Hyatt Regency. This welcoming event set the tone for the days ahead, offering coordinators and staff a chance to connect, collaborate, and build lasting relationships.
On Friday, September 12th, attendees gathered on the lawn of the Court House for a group photo—a powerful symbol of unity and shared purpose. That evening, we celebrated the achievements of our Regional and National Coordinators of the Year during a formal dinner, honoring their exceptional service and dedication.
Throughout the weekend, attendees engaged in dynamic presentations and breakout sessions tailored to chapter size, fostering meaningful dialogue and peer-to-peer learning. Highlights included:
- “Boots on the Ground” Panel – Four veteran coordinators shared firsthand insights on running successful campaigns, offering practical tips and heartfelt encouragement.
- Marketing’s “Ted(+)Talk” – A lively discussion addressing logo usage, branding, and fundraising strategies.
- IT’s “IT is it” Town Hall – An interactive Q&A covering the mobile app, application processing, and local website setup.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to our partners who helped make this event a success:
- Encore – for providing outstanding audio/visual support
- The Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch – for their hospitality and collaboration
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport – for proudly displaying Toys for Tots banners throughout the terminal, showcasing our presence in the community
The atmosphere was electric with purpose and connection. Through dynamic training sessions, collaborative workshops, and heartfelt conversations, our Coordinators reaffirmed their commitment to uplifting economically disadvantaged children in communities nationwide. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, and the passion for service was nothing short of inspiring.
We are deeply grateful to our Coordinators who attended and contributed to making this year’s conference an unforgettable experience.
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