“We are more ready to try the untried when what we do is inconsequential. Hence the fact that many inventions had their birth as toys.” – Eric Hoffer

It’s that time of year again. When many of us will drop a present in the Toys for Tots box at one of the many locations around town like Walmart, Dr. Christie’s Dental Office and most of the businesses in the Wildewood Shopping Center like: Sears, Tantaztic, Evolve and Just Between Kids.

How about some quick history and facts about the Toys for Tots Program?

•             It was started in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks of the United States Marine Corps Reserve after his wife made a doll but they couldn’t find an organization to give gifts to needy children.

•             That first year 5000 toys were distributed.

•             The 1947 Toys for Tots pilot was so successful the Marine Corps adopted the program in 1948 and made it a nationwide campaign.

•             Walt Disney designed the Toys for Tots train logo.

•             In 1959, 1988 and 1989, the Toys for Tots program went international to help major disasters in Japan, the Republic of Congo and the Caribbean respectively.

•             Donations are tax-deductible.

•             In 1962, the New York Yankees were the first big sports event to ask fans to bring a toy to the game. They played the Washington Senators.

•             Approximately 6 million toys are collected and then given out each year.

•             Over 470 million toys have been collected and handed out to over 216 million needy children.

•             You can donate money online at Toys for Tots here. It will give a child in our county something special. You can select a different county or state if you would like.

•             97% of the funds are used to present books, toys and other gifts to children.

•             Overhead is .40% of the funds collected. Maybe these guys should help the government spend more wisely.

For more great facts, go here.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and try to balance quality family time with shopping time. Try to be extra nice to each other and let’s continue to find ways to help each other in positive ways.

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Dr. Jay M. Lipoff is the owner of Back At Your Best Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, LLC, which is l