Clay Mention in Toys For Tots Article

Mention about Clay lending his celebrity status to help the Toys For Tot toy drive. Clayfans have donated generously to the program since Claymates first took part in the 2003 Toy drive.

"Toys for Tots" kicks off in the NCR
by PH3 Jeff Blakley
The Waterline

Christmas is the time of year when Americans spend billions of dollars on gifts for friends and family. Waking up to a neat little pile of gifts under a tree with all the trimmings is one of the holiday treats that many excited children here look forward to. But there will always be less fortunate children that do not have any gifts under their tree, or even a tree at all.

The Marine Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" campaign strives to provide a gift to children who wouldn't otherwise get one. Over 300 million toys have been handed out around the globe since the program was founded in Los Angeles in 1947.

Over the years, celebrities have lent their support to the program. Nat King Cole recorded a song in 1956 called "Toys for Tots." Rene Russo, Dennis Quaid, Clay Aiken and Dale Jarrett all made appearances in television ads for this year's Toys for Tots campaign. Clint Eastwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, Phyllis Diller and Ann-Margaret have all lent their services to the program.

The growth experienced by the Toys for Tots program has enabled the Marines to stop accepting used toys. Donated toys must only be new and unwrapped. The toys are distributed in party-like environments, so they ask for gifts valued at no less than $10--the children will see what everyone else recieves. Toy knives and guns cannot be accepted and the program will not accept food or clothing donations. The program gives out the gifts to all ages up to 17 years old, so the donation of toys intended for older teens is encouraged, including items like CD players, cosmetic kits and watches.

For more information on the Toys for Tots program including a list of drop-off sites, please call (202) 433-8487, (202) 433-2615 or (202) 685-1302. Additional information is online at www.toysfortots.org.