(NewsUSA) - Approximately 40% of children in the United States live at or below the poverty line, facing daily challenges and hardships. Their parents, grappling with the relentless impact of record-high inflation, struggle to provide even the most basic necessities. They simply don’t have the financial means to provide toys, books, or games for their children.  

Marine Toys for Tots, traditionally known as the Nation’s flagship children’s Christmastime charity, has expanded its mission and now provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to economically disadvantaged children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy, book or game.

“As part of our Program’s year-round mission, we continue to look for ways to provide comfort and emotional relief to children living in poverty,” says LtGen Jim Laster, CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

The need continues all year, not only during the holiday season. Throughout October, Marine Toys for Tots encourages supporters to contribute in honor of Child Poverty Day, which was recognized on October 17, and be part of a better, brighter chapter in the lives of economically disadvantaged children. This day serves as a reminder that every child deserves the chance to thrive, dream, and succeed.

“Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and together we can provide hope for a brighter future and remind them that, no matter their circumstances, no doors are closed to them in life,” says LtGen Laster.

At a recent event in central Ohio, more than 220 children who attended a monthly food distribution with a local Toys for Tots partner were elated by the surprise of tables filled with toys, books, and games provided by Toys for Tots, thanks to the support of friends like you.

Not only does your gift provide an immediate boost to the quality of life for these children; you show them that they matter, and that there is hope for a brighter future.

Join us in our mission and make a positive impact on the lives of children in need! Visit toysfortots.org for more information.

(NewsUSA) - The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is thrilled to announce a multi-year partnership with Richard Childress Racing that will highlight our year-round efforts to assist underprivileged children, at Christmastime and beyond! Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet will take to the track and #Drive for Hope!

"We couldn’t be more excited and honored to partner with the RCR team and display Toys for Tots’ official logo on the iconic No. 3 car with Austin Dillon in the driver’s seat. This partnership will allow us to be an even stronger force for good for disadvantaged children who so desperately need a reason to believe in a brighter tomorrow,” said LtGen Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Marine Toys for Tots continues its mission of providing hope and emotional support to economically disadvantaged children through donations of toys, books, and other gifts at Christmastime and throughout the year. Because needs aren’t seasonal, Toys for Tots has evolved into a year-round force for good — ensuring that no child is forgotten any day of the year.

“With a new year comes new resolve to be an even stronger force for good—because children growing up in poverty deserve nothing less,” said LtGen Laster. “The partnership with RCR will open an entirely new avenue of exposure and support for the Toys for Tots Program to ensure that children living in poverty are provided with the hope that they so desperately need.”

Get ready for an unforgettable experience and tune in to the races to cheer on Austin Dillon as he combines speed with generosity to raise awareness and support for families and children in need!

Follow Marine Toys for Tots on social media to stay up to date as we countdown with RCR and Austin Dillon! Visit toysfortots.org to learn more and to support Toys for Tots' efforts to help underprivileged children all year round.

#DriveforHope with Austin Dillon and Toys for Tots!

(NewsUSA) - As children return to school, families can employ various strategies to turn mundane questions such as, "How was your day?" into meaningful conversations. These tips can help children open up, easing any jitters or anxieties they may be feeling.

"You don’t have to set aside a specific time in your day to have impactful discussions with your child,” said Ariel Bronson, KinderCare Inclusion Services Advisor. “You can take advantage of small moments in your everyday schedule to build on your relationship with your child, leading to deeper conversations and connection over time.”

1. Set the scene and get involved. Take time during your family's daily routine to spark conversations with your child, whether during a commute, mealtime, bath time or an afternoon walk. Conversations in trusted, familiar environments will help your child feel more at ease and more willing to open up to you.
2. Leave questions open-ended and use patience. Allow your children to lead the conversation and use their answers to build on it. Listen patiently instead of jumping into problem-solving. The goal is to build a conversation around connection rather than control. The more you learn about your child’s day and are involved in their schedules, the more topics you have to discuss.
3. Use focused prompts to keep conversations going. If your discussions still lead to dead ends, try focusing on a specific topic. What are your child’s interests? For example, you could use art class or a sporting practice as a thought starter. “What did you do at [insert activity] today?” This will help spark a memory for your child, allowing you to build on their response. You can also encourage your child to reflect on their day. “What was something you learned, liked, saw or noticed today?” Help guide your child through each topic.
4. Encourage your child to connect with their emotions. Deepen your conversation by asking questions like, “What was something unexpected that happened today? When did you feel excited? How were you brave?” Do the same for questions related to their peers, such as, “When did you notice a classmate being kind today?” This will allow your child to recognize and understand how feelings impact us.
5. Explore non-verbal conversations. If your child doesn’t want to talk or has limited speech capabilities, try starting a family journal and leave prompts for your child to write about and a place for them to ask you questions. This tactic is also helpful when navigating more challenging topics. For younger children, you could have them draw what they felt during the day or something that they enjoyed as a way to share.

For more conversational tips on how to jumpstart impactful conversations with children, visit KinderCare.com.

(NewsUSA) - Marine Toys for Tots, best known as the Nation's premier children's Christmastime charity, doesn't wait until the holiday season to support children in need. Toys for Tots has evolved into a year-round force for good, and 2024 marks its fourth annual Christmas in July initiative to bring joy, magic, and hope to underprivileged children across the United States.

"Needs aren't seasonal, and neither is Toys for Tots," says LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  "With the rising cost of living and other economic challenges, parents are finding it increasingly difficult to pay bills and put food on their family's table.  Buying toys, books, or games for their children seems completely out of reach," he emphasized. "With the support from our generous donors, we can make sure every child's future is as bright as possible – and deliver the magic of the holiday season in July."

As in previous years, Toys for Tots partners with local nonprofits across the country to deliver hope and emotional support to struggling families who need it the most. Toys for Tots' year-round initiatives, which include Christmas in July and ongoing programs to support children's literacy and children in Foster Care, have become especially valuable as more families struggle with the impact of inflation and other challenging financial circumstances.

Amidst the stress of rising costs for everything from gas, groceries, and other basic necessities, Toys for Tots' year-round programs strive to provide a sense of normalcy and comfort to children in need, with hope for brighter days ahead.

"With every gift that is given, our generous supporters show how much they care about children who face poverty every day of the year. Santa's boots are big ones to fill, but if anyone's up to the task, it is our faithful donors," LtGen Laster adds.

The generosity of the American public makes a significant difference to underserved communities, and especially to children. Every contribution made is a gift of hope to a child in need – and a reminder of a brighter tomorrow.

Celebrate Christmas in July and be part of Toys for Tots' mission as a year-round force for good!

For more information and to donate, visit https://secure.toysfortots.org/a/evergreen-news.

(NewsUSA) - Most children in the United States look forward to their summer break from school as a chance to have fun with friends, spend time with family, and have new adventures and experiences that are so crucial to stimulate and nurture young and inquisitive minds.

However, far too many disadvantaged children across the Nation experience summer vacation as a period of loneliness and isolation, with little support and few resources or opportunities for physical and mental stimulation.

According to the National Institutes of Health, school holidays can be especially stressful periods for children from low-income families, with lack of appropriate child care, limited access to enrichment activities, and food insecurity. These challenges can cause children’s physical and emotional health, as well as academic progress from the previous school year, to stagnate or decline.

Marine Toys for Tots, the Nation's flagship children’s Christmastime charity, has evolved into a year-round force for good, and the organization’s new initiative seeks to provide support for children in need over the summer months.

“We want to help bridge the summer learning-loss gap that children in underserved communities may face. That is why we have enlisted the help from our distribution partners to provide educational toys, books, games, and other gifts through our spring and summertime initiative, ‘School Is Out – Play Is In’ to at-risk children across the country,” says LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

“Needs aren’t seasonal, and neither is Toys for Tots,” says LtGen Laster. “With the rising cost of living and other economic challenges, parents are finding it increasingly difficult to pay bills and put food on their family’s table.  Buying toys, books, or games for their children seems completely out of reach,” he adds. “With the support from our generous donors, we can make sure every child’s summer is filled with opportunities for fun and continued learning.”

The Program’s year-round distributions reassure families who face adversity and exceptional circumstances that Marine Toys for Tots is committed to delivering messages of hope, restoring and building self-esteem, and inspiring youngsters to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Every contribution will ensure that our Nation’s most vulnerable children have the educational tools they need to thrive this summer and beyond.

For more information on Marine Toys for Tots’ year-round charitable programs and how you can help, please visit: https://www.toysfortots.org/support-us/.

(NewsUSA) - Children can begin learning and participating in household duties as young as two. While handling the tasks yourself may be easier and less time-consuming, involving your children in the home can bring a sense of joy and togetherness, helping them gain confidence, a sense of accountability, and a deeper connection to their family members. 

If you’re thinking, “But where do I start?” the key is in the approach and consistency. You must be as committed to your child’s role as they are. Here are a few tips to help create helpers in the home.

1. Keep it age appropriate. As a good rule of thumb, your child should be assigned one role or responsibility for each year of age. If they’re three years old, give them three tasks. Make sure the tasks fit their developmental level. If you make them too difficult, they could get frustrated along the way.
2. It’s all about learning and growth. If you keep this top of mind, you’re bound to be successful. Take the time to explain and demonstrate each task, then do the task with the child the first few times. After that, let them try it on their own. It won’t be perfect, but each attempt is a step towards independence. Set expectations with your child and be clear in your ask. Take each task one at a time to avoid overwhelming your child.
3. Your encouragement is crucial. If you tried to do something new and failed repeatedly, you, too, would begin to feel discouraged. Remember, your child may feel the same when taking on new roles and responsibilities. Your positive feedback and support can make a world of difference. Tell them what you liked and what they did well. Encourage your child along the way and keep it fun—turn up the tunes, start dancing, and get to work. As they gain more independence with the task, make sure to tell them how and why they’re doing a great job.
4. Don’t forget the transitions. Use “first-then” sentences to break a multi-step activity into two components. “First, we’re going to put away our race cars, and then we’ll start cooking dinner.” Timers are great visual and auditory cues to help your child know when it’s time to stop what they’re doing and move on to another task. The timers should be fun, interactive, and visible for your child. The timer should be implemented when you’re ready to follow through and should be used consistently. While using them, be sure to give verbal time updates and warnings, as time lengths will vary per child and task. This tool removes the person-to-person dynamic and helps your child understand the concept of transitions.

Each of these tips is also a best-practice teacher tool, so check in with your child’s teacher to see how they may introduce roles, responsibilities, and transitions with your child that you can carry over at home. For more information and resources, visit KinderCare.com.

(NewsUSA) - May is National Foster Care Month, and Marine Toys for Tots, America’s premier children’s Christmastime charity, continues its year-round mission of providing support to at-risk children, including those in Foster Care, through their Foster Care Initiative.  

More than 700 children in the United States enter the Foster Care system every day.  Through no fault of their own, these young people find themselves removed from everything they know, often landing in an unfamiliar setting with only a small bag for clothes and little else.

“When I became the President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, I knew we could be more than a Christmastime charity.  Part of that intent was to assist foster families and foster children. I wanted to involve the entire community to assist us in providing items such as backpacks and educational toys, books, and other gifts,” said LtGen James Laster, CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

In 2022, Toys for Tots launched its Foster Care Initiative to provide resources that support these children during extremely stressful and trying times. Their mission: to reduce anxiety for children in Foster Care and make a positive impact on their lives.

Marine SSgt James Caldwell knows from personal experience that seemingly small acts of kindness make a big difference. When SSgt Caldwell was a young boy, he experienced the uncertainty of Foster Care, but felt hope through the gift of a new toy from the Toys for Tots chapter in his community at Christmas.

Fast-forward to today, and SSgt Caldwell is giving back to disadvantaged children by volunteering with his local Toys for Tots chapter.

“If a kid is experiencing darkness all year long and then someone like me, dressed in a fancy uniform, comes along and says, ‘I think maybe we can help you a little bit,’ that may give them the hope they need to go on to do great things, and pay it forward,” says SSgt Caldwell.

SSgt Caldwell delivers more than just a new toy to disadvantaged children in his community – he also reminds children that brighter days are ahead, and Toys for Tots stands ready to assist whenever they need hope and joy the most.

Thanks to the generosity of donors across the Nation, Toys for Tots provided toys, books, games, and emotional comfort to more than 3,000 at-risk children, including those in Foster Care. Please join our continuing mission to help foster children find a path to a brighter future. For more information about the Toys for Tots Foster Care Initiative, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/programs/foster-children/.

(NewsUSA) - Caregivers, especially parents, often spend so much time focused on the well-being of others, they neglect to take a break for their own mental health. According to KinderCare’s Parent Confidence Index, 51% of parents feel that they never get a break from parenting. As a result, their energy decreases, their emotional tank runs close to empty, and they can struggle to be at their best for their families.

As caregivers, it’s important to take care of oneself to show up each day and care for the needs of children. Simply put, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Guilt often creeps in for parents when they prioritize their own needs; however, it’s ultimately creating a win-win scenario because doing so teaches children how to keep their own mental health top of mind. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a great time to start practicing.

Here’s a few tips on how to care for your own mental health amid the parenting frenzy:

1. Start small. Simpler habits seem to form faster. Even if it's a few days a week or a few minutes a day, taking the first step of refueling and restoring your energy is a good start. Whether it’s journaling, gratitude recognition, exercising or reading, it’s not about what you choose to do as a reset, it’s more about the intentionality of taking the time to do it. 
2. Ask for help. Talk with a loved one about your needs and goals. Ask them to not only help remind you to take breaks but encourage you to do so. Accountability can be a fundamental step in ensuring your positive wellbeing as a caregiver.
3. Lean into existing resources. Utilize resources around you, such as your child’s child care center by extending their day in care a few days a week for 15-30 minutes. Having peace of mind of knowing that they’re somewhere safe and secure while you take a break is important.
4. Set expectations with your children. Share what it will look like for them while you are taking time for yourself. Reassure them you will return to play, read a book or sing silly songs. Explain what they can do, who can help them if needed and when can they expect you back. Express that “this is what I need to help my body and mind feel strong.”
5. Be a role model. As any teacher or parent knows, children mimic their caregivers’ behaviors and are in-tune with the attitudes and moods of those surrounding them. In time, they will learn how to take time for themselves by watching you create intentionality around it, and, in turn, will gain confidence in creating those moments for themselves.

For more tips on self-care and mental health for both parents and children, visit KinderCare.com.

(NewsUSA) - Marine Toys for Tots, known for its core mission of Christmastime charitable efforts, has evolved into a year-round force for good – ensuring that no child is forgotten any day of the year. The assistance that the Program provides extends far beyond the holiday season because hope and comfort are needed year-round.   

“Innocent children have no control over their circumstances. Whether they face a sudden tragedy, a natural disaster, or a life of poverty, their needs are the same,” says LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. 

Toys for Tots is constantly spreading hope around our Nation to make a difference for those in need and promote a brighter tomorrow.  

The year-round efforts reassure families facing adversity and challenging circumstances that Marine Toys for Tots is there to assist when hope and comfort are needed most. The Program strives to restore and build self-esteem and inspire our Nation’s children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.  

Although providing hope and joy at Christmastime is Toys for Tots’ primary mission during our annual holiday campaign, which includes support to remote Reservations through our Toys for Tots Native American Program, the needs of children living in challenging circumstances are year-round. For that reason, the Program has expanded their efforts and is now a year-round force for good for children in need. Toys for Tots is committed to providing emotional relief and support to disadvantaged children throughout the year with our Toys for Tots Literacy Program, Foster Care Initiative, and Disaster Response and Recovery efforts.  

With help from generous supporters across the Nation, the Marine Toys for Tots Program provided 25.5 million toys, books, and other gifts to 10.3 million disadvantaged children in 2023! Join us in 2024 as we continue to be an even stronger year-round force for good and deliver hope beyond the holiday season. Together, we can help hope flourish for children in need across the Nation and ensure that no child is forgotten. Visit toysfortots.org for more information or to donate.

(NewsUSA) - Raising a family is overwhelming enough; add in milestones, routines, challenging behavior and keeping an eye on academic progress, and you’re in for a spin. However, your child’s teacher is often there to help navigate you along the way. Family-teacher conferences are not only a great measure of your child’s academic progress and needs, but it’s also a time to learn more about your child’s personality and tips to set them up for confidence and success beyond the classroom.

“No matter how old your child is, it’s important to communicate regularly with teachers and stay plugged into your school community,” says Ariel Bronson, Inclusion Services Advisor for KinderCare. “We hold conferences twice yearly because we value family as important educational collaborators. Research shows that when families and teachers stay connected, children are not only better prepared to enter kindergarten but their social skills and achievement improve, too. We are always thinking about how to set kids up for the most success, and we’re proud that the longer kids stay in our program, the better they do.”

Here are two focus topics, beyond academics, to help set you up for a well-rounded family-teacher conference:

1. Social-emotional. Your child craves relationships, and we know they’re important for you, too. According to a study, 58% of parents have seen a difference in their child’s social-emotional skills since enrolling their child in a child care setting. 
   • What are my child’s strengths outside of academic performance?
   • What is something kind you have seen my child do?
   • How does my child interact with their peers?
      
2. Executive functioning. Your child is capable of more than you may think. As adults, we often want to help, but it’s important to take a step back so your children can learn more about their abilities to stay focused on tasks and continue improving and developing healthy skills.
   • How well does my child follow simple instructions?
   • How does my child bounce back from an unpreferred situation?
   • How does my child react to conflict?

Don’t be afraid to ask your child’s teacher to elaborate on an answer or explain using an example for you. Be sure to also ask for resources and tips to use at home to help your child expand on these skills.

Remember that these conferences are merely a snapshot in time. Use the results as a positive guide to build upon. This meeting does not define your child; it informs you about them. It’s not an all-inclusive list of their abilities or what they’re going to do in the future. You’ve got this, and they do, too! For more resources, visit KinderCare.com.