Toys for Tots - Holiday Happy!

Toys for Tots is a donation program run by firefighters across the United States (there is also a Toys for Tots program run by the US Marines).  Each year they set up drop off stations so you can donate new toys for needy kids.  It's an awesome program and so very easy - check with you local fire department, Google or check your local paper for toy collection areas near you!

This year I was privileged to be able to donate toys in both California and Iowa. Honestly, I haven't had this much fun shopping in a long time - just thinking about the kiddos getting a little something unexpected puts a huge grin on my face (even though the gorilla stuffed toy was almost too irresistible to give away!)
Me & my mom giving a "test" snuggle before donating

There are tons of places, programs and ways that you can get involved and share a little of your good fortune with others over the holiday season. You don't have to be in the US, either, Australia, England, Canada and pretty much every other country have similar projects. It doesn't take much, even the smallest things are appreciated and I promise you the warm fuzzy feeling is amazing!

I want to give a big KUDOS to Target. Not only do they have some super cuddly soft stuffed animals for great prices ($4 and up - they are awesome!) but they went the extra mile for me. I took some bags of toys in to the Toys for Tots drop off and didn't check the bags carefully enough and ended up donating something that was actually meant to be a present for someone else. I went back to Target to buy another one the next day, but the price had gone up. I told the cashier what had happened and he very kindly gave me the lower price on that item - no fuss and with a big smile on his face. Well done!

So, I'm not gonna preach at you, but really, can't you spare a few minutes of your time and $5 to put a big happy grin on some kid's face this year? Go on, try it - you'll love it!

Oh, and don't forget to add your comments here on the blog to this post or anything else you see from October to December coz I'm donating more each time you comment - spread the word, spread the joy!

Happy happy holidays, Everyone!