(NewsUSA) - Plus, meet the new Rich Cream with newly formulated RoC Retinol 7x more effective than standard Retinol

When it comes to turning back the clock, there's a reason every dermatologist, editor, and skincare-obsessed friend has the same answer: retinol. It’s the gold standard—the undisputed heavyweight champion of wrinkle-fighting—and for over 25 years, one brand has been leading the charge, earning the title of America’s #1 most awarded Retinol¹: RoC Skincare.

Back when retinol stability was a serious challenge (it's a notoriously difficult ingredient, degrading the second it hits light or air!), RoC achieved a monumental breakthrough. They cracked the code on keeping this powerhouse ingredient effective. By mastering stabilization through rigorous formulation, packaging and processing efforts, and validating via clinical trials, they didn't just innovate; they made the skincare ingredient of the century accessible for your daily routine. Now with 35+ patents and more than 25 million units sold², RoC stands on a legacy that continues to lead the anti-aging revolution.

"The reason retinol is the gold standard is simple: it works. It signals skin cells to renew themselves, effectively 'turning back the clock' on a cellular level,” says Dermatologist Dr. Trisha Khanna, MD, FAAD. “I constantly recommend RoC Retinol to my patients who are looking for visible results without the typical dryness and irritation, and am always excited to celebrate National Retinol Day with the original retinol brand!”

Beyond the Hype: The Clinically Proven Reasons We’re Loving RoC’s New Cream

In honor of the fifth annual National Retinol Day, RoC is pulling back the curtain on its newest skincare superstar, Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream. Created in partnership with top dermatologists, this cream isn't just about wrinkles—it’s a targeted solution for three top skin stressors we face as we age:

1. Persistent Dryness: That dull, desert-like feeling is the first sign of an unhappy skin barrier.
2. Deep Wrinkles: The ones that hang around, even when you aren't smiling.
3. Loss of Firmness: The frustrating slip-and-slide feeling when you wish things were a little more... lifted.

This powerhouse cream goes beyond traditional retinol. It’s formulated with patented RoC Retinol, which is clinically proven to be 7x more effective than standard Retinol, delivering faster results and continued improvement even after one year of use. It’s a complete revitalization system, supercharged with bioceramides and calcium to deeply hydrate, strengthen your skin's architecture, and deliver that firming power you usually have to book an in-office appointment for. Consider it the ultimate luxury treatment (but available for under $30!) that works while you sleep.

Quick Guide: The Rest of the Must-Have RoC Retinol Line

If you're already obsessed with the brand's classic Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Collection, here’s a refresher on the products that deserve a spot on your vanity:

Line Smoothing Eye Cream

The ultimate defense for the delicate eye area.

Why you need it now: It combines retinol with a mineral complex to specifically tackle the 3 visible signs of eye aging: crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles. bright eyes in minutes!

Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules

Retinol at its freshest—sealed for maximum potency.

Why you need it now: These capsules protect a lightweight serum from air and light, giving you a visibly fresher, smoother-skin glow by morning.

Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream

The gentle giant of retinol.

Why you need it now: This genius formula improves lines with a time-release mechanism that delivers continuous retinol for up to 12 hours while infusing skin with plumping hyaluronic acid. Goodbye irritation, hello smooth, moisturized skin!

Find the new Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream on Amazon, and discover the full line for smoother, younger-looking skin.

¹Based on a 3rd party study using publicly available data sources from publications and media sources hosting beauty awards since 2010
²RoC internal unit sales data 12/31/18-10/26/25

(NewsUSA) - Choosing to drive when not fully alert is a form of impaired driving. In fact, drowsy driving causes one in every five deadly motor vehicle crashes. With frequent nighttime awakenings, early school drop-offs, and competing demands, parents and families are especially at risk of drowsy driving.

Not surprisingly, parents with infants and young children are more likely to drive drowsy than non-parents, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2025 Drowsy Driving survey, but teens are at risk, too. Approximately 1.7 million teens nationwide reported driving while not fully alert. However, parents surveyed by the NSF want to keep their families safe. They ranked getting enough sleep to stay alert while driving as more important to keeping their families safe than a healthy diet, regular exercise, and reduced TV time.

As part of its continued commitment to educate the public about the importance of sleep for health and well-being, NSF produces Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^®  every year to encourage everyone to Sleep First. Drive Alert.^® Fortunately, families can take steps to reduce drowsy driving and stay safe on the road. Put these tips into practice:

Family obligations often get in the way of adequate sleep; more than one-third of adults and 20% of teens reported this concern. The good news is that family members can support each other by placing value on getting enough sleep. That means being open and honest about sleep needs, helping each other with household tasks and responsibilities, and creating a family culture that knows the value of sleep for health and safety.

According to the NSF survey, 72% of adults in the U.S. have urged someone not to drive drowsy, and in most cases, they are monitoring a family member. Don’t hesitate to speak up when the driver seems too tired. Also, include prioritizing sleep in discussions about family schedules. NSF recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for most adults and eight to ten hours for teens. Don’t forget to remind teens (and adults) to stay off their screens during the last hour before bedtime.

When families are traveling together, pay attention to any signs of driver drowsiness, such as the driver’s frequent yawning, blinking, or inattention to lane control or speed on the road, and encourage them to pull over to a safe place and rest, or allow another family member to take over if possible.

NSF shares more research-backed recommendations to help you feel and perform like your Best Slept Self®. These habits can help lower your risk of drowsy driving.

During the day, things like spending time in bright, natural light, getting regular exercise, and eating meals at consistent times can help your body prepare for sleep. At night, NSF recommends avoiding things like heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol, keeping a wind-down routine, and sleeping in a place that’s cool, dark, and quiet—which also means putting your screen devices away an hour before bed.

Visit theNSF.org for more key tips while you make your own plan to prevent drowsy driving, plus get NSF’s expert resources to help you be your Best Slept Self^®.There’s only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. In its 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep.

(NewsUSA) - “My Mountains” by Chris Smith

“My Mountains” is a tender, soul-searching memoir about grief, faith and the quiet strength it takes to keep climbing. Set in the rugged beauty of the Rockies, it tells the story of a mother who endures devastating loss and finds not answers, but presence — in the trees, the trails and the God who meets us in our pain.

This book is for anyone who has stood at the edge of heartbreak and wondered if joy could still be real. Through lyrical storytelling and honest reflection, “My Mountains” offers hope without platitudes and peace without pretending. It reminds us that we’re not alone on the trail — and that sometimes, the steepest paths lead to the most beautiful views.

Whether you are grieving, searching or simply longing for beauty again, this book will walk beside you — and leave you changed.

Learn more at www.authorchrismsmith.com.

“Searching for Bowlby” by C. V. Wooster

Meet the Father of Attachment Theory

John Bowlby may be one of the most influential yet under-recognized figures in modern psychology. While Freud and Jung became household names, Bowlby quietly changed how the world understands childhood, love and emotional development.

“Searching for Bowlby” is a sweeping historical narrative that brings his story vividly to life. Born into Edwardian England, Bowlby grew up in an era when emotional distance was seen as discipline and affection as weakness. Those early fractures became the foundation of a theory that forever transformed parenting, psychotherapy and the way society views love, loss and resilience.

C. V. Wooster goes beyond academic biography to weave together meticulous research, historical context and human insight, revealing the man behind the theory. For anyone interested in psychology, history, biography or the timeless quest to understand love and human connection, “Searching for Bowlby” offers both an intimate portrait of a revolutionary thinker and a mirror for our own emotional lives.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/47IyFuj.

“A World Gone Mad: The True Story of Surviving a Dictatorship” by Gretel Timan

A heartbreaking autobiography that offers a glimpse into life in East Germany and the life-changing experience of moving to the United States.

Gretel Timan grew up in East Germany and struggled with discrimination and restriction because her father was a capitalist, she had contact with her American aunt, and worst of all, she refused to join the Soviet-German friendship.

“Appreciated by the government were the people who were loyal and never questioned what happened. I was not one of them,” Gretel recalls. “I ran again and again into conflict with my government … I resisted and so put myself in danger.”

In 1957, she emigrated to the U.S., and her life changed dramatically. In her words, she became a “butterfly.” This book contains the struggles of her life: her tears, her defeats, her resistance, her hopes, all the ups and downs — and ups again.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/49n0RVE.

“The Death Penalty Revisited” by Willard Bakeman

In “The Death Penalty Revisited,” an experienced criminal law attorney provides an overview of the history and current practice of capital punishment in America, and provides insights into changes and reforms that, if implemented, would be earth-shaking.

Reviewers are calling it “an engrossing and entertaining read” featuring “fascinating vignettes” of many criminal cases, from O.J. Simpson to Scott Peterson, with some “surprising conclusions never before expressed.” Author Willard Bakeman provides both sides of the arguments for and against the death penalty so that readers can reach their own conclusions on whether they favor or oppose the death penalty.

As a California trial attorney who’s been counsel in over 150 civil and criminal trials, Bakeman’s insights are both “truly surprising and mind-opening.” He addresses the details and significance of many criminal cases with cutting insight and in a manner that has never been done before. It is readable, entertaining and thought-provoking.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4qjByKx.

(NewsUSA) - Swift advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are rapidly changing the labor market, with approximately 170 million new jobs expected over the next decade, and 50 percent of Gen Z planning to pursue entrepreneurship.

Whether you climb the corporate ladder or found your own company, succeeding in today’s market requires tech-savvy leadership, vision, business acumen, and agility. The good news: you don’t have to wait until college to gain these skills—you can start in high school.

Business schools at many universities, including New York Institute of Technology’s School of Management, offer courses, workshops, and seminars enabling high school students to jumpstart their college careers. Some opportunities even allow you to earn college credits.

No matter which college major you pursue, learning the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship will advance your academic and professional careers. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Knowledge of emerging business technologies. Workshop series, like our School of Management’s High School Business Academy, allow students to explore real-world applications of AI, Financial Technology (FinTech), digital analytics, and other innovations across key business fields. Through hands-on projects, group challenges, and lively discussions, students uncover how next-generation technologies are reshaping industries and career possibilities.

• Financial literacy skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for finance skills will rise 15 percent by 2034. College-level business programs, including those at New York Tech, prepare students to evaluate costs, assess risks, analyze forensics, manage portfolios, and identify strategic investments. Students are also empowered to make smart personal finance decisions.

• Exposure to diverse career paths. Business studies introduce college-bound students to a wide range of careers in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, management, and other fields. For example, our High School Business Academy, taught by expert faculty, includes workshops on entrepreneurship and career development, among other topics. In addition, programs like New York Tech Advance allow high schoolers to get a head start on their college education by earning credits at a steeply discounted rate.

• Competitive soft skills. As AI and automation are increasingly used for routine business tasks, the human ability to innovate, communicate, and think critically has become ever more valuable. College-level business programs instill vital communication skills (both digital and interpersonal) early on, while training students to negotiate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts in culturally diverse work environments.

New York Tech’s School of Management offers virtual and in-person learning opportunities to prepare interested high school students for the business school experience.

Learn about our AI-infused degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in business AI and analytics, forensic accounting and financial fraud investigation, and more.   

(NewsUSA) - With the holidays just around the corner, many families find that the season of giving often turns into a season of overflowing toy bins. From stuffed animals to action figures, it doesn’t take long before every surface is covered with toys. But with a little planning and teamwork, families can declutter and make room for what matters most: time together.

Start with a simple system

Sort toys into four piles: things to keep, donate, recycle, or toss. Involve your child in the process. When kids help decide which toys stay and which can find a new home, they learn responsibility and generosity.

“Turn cleaning into fun and kindness,” said Ariel Bronson, KinderCare Individualized Education Specialist. “By explaining [to kids] that their toys will be donated or shared with other children, you help them see that their toys can make new friends and bring happiness elsewhere, often making it easier and more meaningful for them to let go.”

Think minimalist

Fewer toys can actually lead to more play. Children often get overwhelmed by too many choices and end up playing less. A smaller collection encourages creativity, focus, and imagination.

Once you’ve decluttered, organize what remains with labeled bins or baskets by category, like puzzles, art supplies, dolls or blocks. Keep the baskets or bins within your child’s reach so cleanup feels like part of playtime. If you want to, temporarily remove some things and rotate toys every few weeks to keep things fresh. Your child will feel like they have something “new” without adding more clutter.

Minimalism isn’t about taking joy away; it’s about making space for it. A tidy, peaceful play space helps kids settle into deeper, more imaginative play and helps parents breathe a little easier, too.

Teach lasting values

Beyond organizing, this tradition of decluttering and donating teaches lasting values. Children discover that giving feels good and that less can truly be more. And while gifts bring joy, time together brings connection, whether you’re building a fort, baking cookies, or reading a favorite story. That time to connect is what kids (and families) really want.

A little organization today can help your family focus on what the holidays are really about: joy, gratitude and togetherness.

Learn more about helping children build lifelong habits of kindness, confidence and care at KinderCare.com.

(K12) - Kicking a red rubber ball across the blacktop. Waving to a friend in a busy hallway. Trading snacks over a lunch table. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think.  

It’s in these everyday interactions that children learn some of life’s most important skills like sharing, resolving conflict, showing empathy, and managing their emotions. These skills help shape emotional growth and set kids up for long-term success. In essence, socialization isn’t just “nice-to-have" in childhood; it’s a developmental necessity. 

But today, many children aren’t getting the consistent, meaningful social interaction they need. Even before the pandemic, research showed that kids were spending less time together than previous generations. 

There are a number of reasons for this–but one primary factor is that not all students have the same access to social opportunities during the school day. 

Some move frequently because of military service, which means starting over often. Others experience bullying, exclusion, or safety concerns that make in-person schools feel unwelcoming. Some live in rural areas, are homebound due to illness, or learn remotely and can miss out on informal, everyday interactions. And others simply haven’t found a community where they feel they belong.  

Thankfully, families can take simple steps to help children feel connected, build friendships, and strengthen social skills. 

Niyoka McCoy, Chief Learning Officer at K12, shares some ideas for getting started in your community: 

• Volunteering at local food banks, animal shelters, or churches 

• Library activities like reading clubs or STEM camps 

• Community activities including theater, martial arts, choir, or pottery 

• Recreational centers with pools, camps, classes, and sports teams 

• Youth esports leagues where children can experience teamwork 

For students who struggle to feel connected at school, whether due to frequent moves, safety concerns, or health challenges that keep them at home, McCoy offers a solution that might seem unexpected: virtual learning. 

“Many families share that online school was what their child needed to feel part of a community,” shares McCoy. “Students at K12-powered online schools attend live classes, participate in group projects, chat with friends in a virtual campus, attend in-person field trips, and compete in national competitions. Here, they can find a place where they feel safe and belong.” 

For many families, that sense of belonging was what their child needed. And every child deserves the chance to feel connected, no matter their circumstances.  

(NewsUSA) - The balance of the world’s wealth is shifting.  

Over the next two decades, Millennials and Gen Z are anticipated to reshape the world’s ultra-wealthy population, gradually overtaking Baby Boomers as the largest class of individuals with a personal worth exceeding $30 million.

But Baby Boomers aren’t stepping aside just yet.

More than 78 million Baby Boomers are looking to retire within the next 10 to 15 years, but they’re retiring later and at a more gradual pace than previous generations. The average planned retirement age now falls between 65 and 69, a marked shift from the past in which 65 was considered the age to retire.

And Baby Boomers aren’t just working longer – they’re also holding on to their power. Baby Boomers own more than 65 percent of businesses with employees, totaling nearly four million companies and controlling an estimated 80 percent of total U.S. net worth.

Increasingly, Baby Boomers are following more gradual exit paths from work than previous generations, easing into retirement and holding on to control long past traditional retirement age and gradually exiting the workforce. 

These gradual exits can pose serious challenges for future generations, particularly as it comes to succession planning. Despite this generation’s significant wealth and economic influence, 78 percent of Baby Boomer business owners do not have a formal exit or succession plan in place. 

This failure to plan can leave Baby Boomers vulnerable to losing their wealth and their legacy, as illustrated by Sumner Redstone, the media mogul behind Viacom and CBS. Though Redstone, who was in his nineties at the time, eventually designated his daughter as his successor, the path to succession involved public family conflict, lawsuits and reputational damage. This complex succession battle has marred his empire-building legacy. 

Baby Boomers may also find themselves vulnerable to manipulation from family members. Zygmunt Solorz, a Polish billionaire and media entrepreneur, is a prime example. Solorz’s children reportedly manipulated him into initiating succession protocol before he was ready to step down. At age 69, he is now fighting to retain control of the business empire he built from the ground up.

As Baby Boomers approach retirement, it’s critical that they take swift, proactive steps to safeguard themselves from financial and personal risks. 

The wealth shift is inevitable. But how it unfolds will depend in large part on how well today’s ultra-wealthy prepare for tomorrow.

(NewsUSA) - “The Lost Seigneur” by David Loux

This riveting sequel to the award-winning “Chateau Laux” unravels the story of the du Laux family’s patriarch, Jean-Pierre du Laux, in the late 17th century and the decades that followed, in a land plagued by a persistent legacy of religious turmoil. Jean-Pierre, a nobleman in southern France, was wrongfully imprisoned during the brutal Dragonnades, a campaign designed to crush Protestant faith in the wake of France’s long history of persecution. When he emerges from captivity years later, reunion with his family seems impossible — until he meets an unexpected ally, a spirited young companion, who proves that even in the darkest times, loyalty and compassion can light the path home.

The novel has been described as “a meticulously crafted tale of emotional depth,” with reviewers exalting how the story rewards readers with the author’s “exquisite writing, a finely plotted story and immersion into a family saga of love, loyalty, tragedy and triumph.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4nNCdl9.

“If Necessary Alone” by V M Knox

During the dark days of winter, 1941, Britain fights on alone against the Nazi threat. Major Clement Wisdom of the Special Duties Section of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) is sent to far North Scotland to investigate illicit radio signals being picked up by the local out-station. But as soon as he gets there, a man is found brutally murdered, his body displayed for maximum effect. Is it a warning or a terrible accident?

As more murders are discovered, Clement realises he is facing not only an embedded Nazi spy but also a ruthless killer. Alone and struggling against the bitter Scottish weather, as well as a web of silence from the locals, Clement must unmask his enemy before he becomes the next victim.

“If Necessary Alone” is the second in the Clement Wisdom Series of WW2 Intelligence War novels.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4mGmmE5.

“Bertie's Place” by Edie Goodwin

Molly Parsons has just graduated from college and lands a job teaching fifth grade in a small farming community in northeastern Ohio. As she and her friend Eva are ready to move into their new apartment, Eva backs out, leaving Molly without a place to live — until she finds Bertie’s Place.

The boardinghouse operates out of a beautiful Victorian home. Bertie Evans, the owner, is a spry older woman. She welcomes Molly with open arms. Grateful for a place to live, Molly settles into her teaching role, making her share of beginner mistakes.

Molly is tough and resilient. She has a loving heart and buoyant spirit. How does she handle the challenges she faces in Life and love? Will she be able to forgive herself as she forgives others?

Watch for the sequel, “Molly,” coming in the New Year.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/42RuKcI.

“Minidrash” by Boris Burshteyn

9 Short Commentaries on the First Torah Portion Bereishis.

In this insightful collection, Boris Isaac Burshteyn presents nine short Torah commentaries on the first Torah portion, Bereishis. Each essay delves into a unique aspect of the Creation Story, exploring theological and philosophical themes such as the Holy and the mundane, immortality, the laws of nature, the origin of the Ten Commandments, miracles, animal treatment, free will, the human soul, ingenuity, morality and the source of ethics.

Written in clear and engaging language, these essays offer original perspectives that prompt thoughtful reflection and deepen the reader's understanding of the Torah. This book is a testament to the enduring wisdom of the Torah and its relevance to contemporary life. It invites readers of all backgrounds to engage in a meaningful and intellectually stimulating way, making it perfect for study groups or self-paced learning, offering food for both discussion and thought.

Purchase at http://bit.ly/4nPwSKw.

(Erin Culek, Head of Financial Protection and Retirement Solutions, Guardian) - For many Americans, the traditional picture of retirement is no longer. Gone is the long-viewed notion of retirement being about reaching a milestone birthday or a defined transition out of the workforce. Rather, today’s retirement is flexible and personal.

While exciting, a redefined retirement has led to some surprises and challenges for Americans. Many subsequently feel unprepared. With the support of a financial consultant, however, individuals can navigate this new retirement landscape with confidence, defining retirement on their own terms and in a way that accounts for their unique financial, health, and lifestyle needs.

Here’s what you need to know.

How longevity is impacting retirement

As Americans live longer, they are eager to make the most of their retirement years. At the same time, however, longevity and an extended retirement are impacting Americans’ mental, physical, and financial health.

According to a new report from Guardian, 54% of retirees say they are in good financial health, providing them with the financial freedom to pursue passions, travel to dream destinations, or spend quality time with family. To fund a longer retirement, however, 73% of people say they plan to continue working part-time in retirement.

Enjoying a longer retirement also means staying physically healthy. Unfortunately, only 39% of current workers and 40% of retirees rate their health as very good or excellent. Overall, 47% of retirees thought they’d be in better health in retirement.

Longevity also impacts Americans’ mental and emotional wellness. Although 60% of retirees say they have good mental health, 34% said they didn’t expect to feel so bored or miss their careers. Additionally, 27% were surprised by how lonely they feel or by how little time they are spending with family in retirement.

Getting the guidance you need

To support their well-being in retirement, many retirees and workers are taking a close look at their planning strategies. One in five retirees have regrets about how they’ve prepared for retirement. With future lifespan anticipated to increase, today’s workers are even more concerned—40% say they have regrets about how they’ve prepared financially for retirement.

As Americans live and work longer, more education about retirement income sources is needed. For example, despite Americans saying their top financial concerns are not having enough money to last through retirement and not having a source of guaranteed income in retirement, just 30% of workers know that annuities can provide guaranteed income for life. Younger workers face similar education gaps. Despite a steep decline in the number of workers with access to a pension, 55% of Gen Z expect to use a pension in retirement.

Despite the complexity of modern retirement, fewer than half of retirees (48%) and current workers (40%) have sought guidance from a financial consultant. When workers and retirees did work with a financial consultant, research showed they were much more likely to say they are on track for retirement than those who don’t.

Connecting with a financial consultant can help Americans take charge of their retirement—no matter how long it lasts. Financial consultants can provide support in countless ways, including:

• Exploring multiple retirement scenarios: Eighty-four percent of people expect to retire at a specific age, but only 52% actually retired when they thought they would. A financial consultant can help you understand potential retirement timelines and how to plan for various scenarios.
• Evaluating retirement income options: With almost half of Americans worried about having a guaranteed source of income in retirement, a financial consultant can help you assess options such as annuities that can play an important role in retirement planning. The only product on the private marketplace that can provide guaranteed income for life, annuities can help diversify a retirement portfolio and offer a range of potential benefits, from protection against market loss to tax-deferred growth.
• Considering future mental and physical health needs: Given that nearly half of retirees said they thought they would be healthier than they actually are in retirement, a financial consultant can offer insight on how to help address these factors through planning, particularly amid rising healthcare costs.

The bottom line

In the years to come, what it means to be retired—and how to prepare for this chapter—is only going to continue to evolve. Whether your retirement is on the horizon or still decades away, working with a financial consultant can help you approach the planning journey with confidence to support your mental, physical, and financial wellness over the long term.

To learn more, visit http://www.guardianlife.com/reports/retirement-redefined.

8468243.1 (10/27)

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(NewsUSA) - As the first signs of the holiday season appear across America, the Marine Toys for Tots Program is rallying the Nation’s compassion. With the launch of its 78th annual Holiday Campaign, this cherished tradition renews its mission to deliver not just gifts, but hope, dignity, and joy to millions of children living in poverty.

From October 1st through December 25th, U.S. Marines, Local Community Organizations (LCOs), and thousands of dedicated volunteers will unite in nearly 880 local Toys for Tots chapters across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their shared goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that no child wakes up forgotten on Christmas morning.

When nearly 40% of American children live in households struggling to make ends meet, holiday joy can feel heartbreakingly out of reach. For many families, warmth, stability, and even play have become luxuries. Toys for Tots stands ready to provide holiday hope—one toy, one book, one act of kindness at a time.

Toys for Tots recognized National Child Poverty Day on October 17th, a day to remember that behind every statistic is a child who deserves to feel seen and valued. Through the collective generosity of communities nationwide, Toys for Tots delivers far more than toys—together with our donors and volunteers, we deliver hope, emotional relief, and a belief in a brighter future.

“Bringing the magic of Christmas to children in need takes a united effort,” says LtGen James B. Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “When we hear of a family facing hardship, our Marines and volunteers rise to the occasion—working tirelessly to make sure no child is left without hope and joy during Christmastime.”

Last year alone, Toys for Tots distributed more than 30 million toys, books, and gifts to nearly 13 million children—the largest outreach in the Program’s history, but the need remains urgent. More families are reaching out, with parents working multiple jobs just to put food on the table and praying for a Christmas miracle. That’s when the spirit of Toys for Tots comes alive—when ordinary people transform hardship into holiday magic.

That magic found its way to three-year-old Nico, who had one simple wish: a “doggy.” After losing their home, Nico and his mother, Mira, were living out of a car. “I felt like the world’s worst mom,” Mira said. “We had no home, no presents—how could I possibly give him a dog?”

Thanks to the compassion of donors and the swift efforts of local volunteers, Nico awoke on Christmas morning to find a walkable toy dog and a book about dog breeds. “I hadn’t seen him smile like that since we lost our home,” Mira recalled. “That night, he fell asleep holding the toy in his arms.”

For a child in crisis, a toy isn’t just a gift—it’s a message that says you are loved and remembered, and that your dreams matter.

Throughout this holiday season, Toys for Tots reminds every American that the smallest act of giving can change a life. You can help create more moments like Nico’s—where a child’s smile says everything.

To learn more or make a donation, visit toysfortots.org.