Marine Toys for Tots Proudly Accepts Family Film and TV Humanitarian Award

The Family Film and TV Awards, presented by CBS, recognized Marine Toys for Tots with the Humanitarian Award for their year-round work supporting struggling families and children across the country.

Bestowing the award with celebrities Montel Williams, Dean Cain, and Laura McKenzie, television presenter and actress Elizabeth Stanton noted that “one organization that has consistently supported families in need is the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.”

A heartfelt video segment highlighted Toys for Tots’ year-round work including testimonials of families from around the country who have been assisted by the organization.  “Toys for Tots means everything to us” said one teary-eyed mother as she explained that “when you live on a fixed income, pretty much every dime is accounted for, and we didn’t know what to do. Toys for tots changed all that!”

CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, LtGen. James Laster, USMC (Retired) and MajGen Len “Loni” Anderson, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies, and Operations for the United States Marines, accepted the award to a standing ovation in the packed theater. 

“We have expanded.  We are year-round now.  And, of course, we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of the American people – you!” said LtGen Laster in remarks accepting the award on behalf of the organization.

MajGen Anderson added, “This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue our mission.  It’s not just toys.  It’s about delivering joy and fostering hope in the hearts of those families when they need it.”

LtGen Laster also laid out Toys for Tots’ ambitious goals for 2024, saying that the organization hoped to reach a record 11 million children-in-need this year.

“The Marine Toys for Tots Program has been a beacon of hope for over seven decades, striving to bring smiles to the faces of children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season and throughout the year,” said LtGen Laster.  “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by the 26th Family Film and TV Awards and receive the prestigious Humanitarian Award for the Program’s commitment to being a year-round force for good and making futures as bright as possible for children in need.”