Governor Gianforte Encourages Support for Toys for Tots

Governor Gianforte Encourages Support for Toys for Tots

Marks fifth day of 12 Days of Giving campaign

• December 04 2023

HELENA, Mont. - Before lighting the State Capitol Christmas Tree, Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte today donated toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots, and encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.

"Thanks to the work of the U.S. Marine Corps and volunteers, Toys for Tots ensures Montana kids have a gift to open on Christmas," Gov. Gianforte said. "As this season of giving unfolds and we remember our blessings, I encourage Montanans to support their local Toys for Tots campaign if they're able."

Gov. Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte donating toys to Toys for Tots before the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree lighting

Founded over 75 years ago by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys for children in October, November, and December to make sure every child has a toy on Christmas morning.

This year, over two dozen counties and three tribes in Montana have active Toys for Tots campaigns.

In Helena alone last year, Toys for Tots served over 2,500 children. Through its Native American Program, Toys for Tots in Montana distributed over 88,000 toys in 2021, supporting over 23,500 children.

"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," said USMC Lt. Gen. Laster, CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Last year, Toys for Tots set new records, with over 24.4 million toys and books provided to nearly 10 million children in need across the nation. We want to ensure that no child is forgotten, and we can't thank Governor Gianforte and the community of Helena enough for their support in helping us deliver joy and hope to disadvantaged children in their local community."

Lt. Gen. Laster continued, "We are also extremely grateful for the dedication that volunteer coordinator, Howard Mears, has provided over the past nine years to ensure that every disadvantaged child in the community of Helena will receive at least one present to open on Christmas morning."

A list of over 100 drop box locations in the Helena area can be found here. Montanans interested in supporting Toys for Tots or who know a child in need of a gift this Christmas can find their local campaign here.

At the 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting in the State Capitol, the governor donated a remote-control car, and the first lady donated a garden-themed board game.

Running through December 13, the governor's third annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor's salary to Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Kalispell.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the third annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor's salary to Hi-Line Home Programs in Sidney.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Eagle Mount as it empowers Montanans living with disabilities through outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities.

• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

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