TODAY Show Toy Drive Thrills Children In Need
Celebrity "elves" are collecting toys daily during the Today show broadcast for its annual toy drive throughout the holiday season. Since 1994, the Today Show Toy Drive has distributed over $325 million in donations to more than 200 organizations across America and to U.S. military bases abroad.
Every 29 seconds, a child in the United States is born into poverty, with limited access to food, medical care and basic human services. For many, the Today Show Toy Drive is their only source of gifts for the holidays. The program is designed to provide gifts and essentials for impoverished children and teenagers up to age 18 nationwide. It has also expanded to include gifts that children are able to give their parents, because giving provides joy in itself.
The items collected go to millions of kids in all 50 states. Recipients include homeless shelters, children’s group homes, schools, foster family services, domestic abuse shelters, Native American missions, military bases, hospitals, preschools, after-school programs, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Celebrities who have helped in past years include George Clooney, Jon Hamm, Matt Damon, Claire Danes, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, former Vice President Al Gore and Olympians Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.
The smallest gift can mean the world to a child in need. As you celebrate with your family this holiday season, take a moment to let these children know they’re loved.
Visit the Today Show Toy Drive Donation Center.