If you take a look around, there’s no doubt that Christmas time is here. Trees, wreaths and lights are going up all across Missouri and people’s moods are noticeably cheerier now that the holiday season is upon us. This is the season of giving, which can come in many different forms. Maybe that means contributing to the Salvation Army when you walk by one of their red buckets with a bell ringer braving the cold for a good cause. Or maybe you donate canned goods, coats, or simply your time to a local food bank or shelter to help feed our community and keep them warm. Being charitable is of course meaningful all year long, but especially during this time of year when we are reminded of how fortunate we are and all we can do for those who are not.

For many children across America, Santa Claus will come down the chimney on Christmas Eve and leave presents if they’ve been good (and probably a lot who haven’t been so good). But for some children, that is unfortunately not the reality - particularly this year, when economic times have been especially tough. As we head into winter, families are still facing high energy bills and much pricier groceries than usual. Keeping the heat on and food on the table take priority, and for some families that might not leave enough to buy presents for their children to open on Christmas morning. That is where wonderful organizations like “Toys for Tots” come in.

On December 5th, the United States Marines’ “Toys for Tots” program will celebrate its 75^th anniversary. This non-profit has local chapters that take unwrapped toy donations beginning around mid-November to distribute to children in need who might not otherwise have anything to open on Christmas. Toys for Tots was started in 1947 by Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and his wife, who had a few extra handcrafted dolls that they delivered to a local children’s charity. Bill Hendricks’ civilian job was at Warner Brothers Studios, and with the help of some famous friends and of course, the Marines, this program took off and has been spreading joy ever since. Over the past 75 years, more than 281 million American children have been able to experience the magic of Christmas through the donations it facilitates. If you know someone who might benefit from signing up for Toys for Tots or want to donate, please visit toysfortots.org to find your local campaign and more information on ways to help this great organization.

This is the time of year we count our blessings, spend time with our loved ones and enjoy the magic of the season. It’s also a great time to remember that not everyone has been so blessed, and giving your time or some sort of a donation is a wonderful way to spread Christmas cheer. Helping the Toys for Tots program make Christmas special for less fortunate children is a great way to help, but there are so many worthwhile causes to help across our state. Whether it’s singing carols in a nursing home, baking cookies for a friend, volunteering your time or of course, donating toys, there are many ways spread Christmas cheer and goodwill during this special season.