Toys for Tots' initial objective, which remains the hallmark of the program today, is to 'bring the joy of Christmas to needy children'. Its goal is to deliver a message of hope that will build self-esteem and motivate children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The program was so successful, it was expanded nationwide wherever a Marine Corps Reserve Unit the following year.

In 1993, the Peel Regional Police Service initiated the endeavour in Canada; The Halton Regional Police Service began its own Toys for Tots program in 2000. 

Each year, off-duty uniform and civilian employees of the Halton Regional Police Service, local businesses, schools and sports organizations give their time, talents and resources in support of the initiative's continued success.  

In 2011, the Halton Regional Police Service Toys for Tots program raised a record-breaking $316,000 (toys, gift cards, cash and food) which was used to spread joy to more than 3,500 local families in need. The totals exceeded 2010 by close to $136,000 and more than 500 families.

2011 Kick-Off Event:

The official Toys for Tots kick-off ceremony for this year's campaign was held on Thursday, November 10th at Canadian Tire (1210 Steeles Avenue East, Milton). 

Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher, Milton Mayor Gord Krantz and representatives from program partners including the Oakville and Milton Salvation Army, Canadian Tire, Mandarin Restaurant and Woodbine Entertainment were joined by local STARS to set the campaign off on the right foot.

New This Year: Community Challenge:

In an effort to exceed last year's record fundraising total, organizers of this year's campaign are challenging you to take Toys for Tots to your school, workplace, neighbourhood or organization.

Make Toys for Tots your charity this holiday season. Getting involved is as easy as collecting new, unwrapped toys, cash, gift cards for teens or Canadian Tire money. A member from the Toys for Toys team would be happy to pick-up your group's donation for you.

Last year, members of the Burlington Lions Optimist Minor Hockey Association (BLOMHA) and Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA-Oakville) raised more than $30,000. 

Donate Today:

Members of the public are invited to make their donation of new, unwrapped toys, Canadian Tire money and/or cash at any Canadian Tire location or police station in Halton Region between Friday, November 4 and Sunday, December 16.

Click here for a complete list of Toys for Tots 2011 drop-off locations. For a list of gift ideas for children/teens aged 10-16, click here.

The Salvation Army then identifies local families experiencing difficulty and distributes toys purchased and/or collected from each location directly to them.

For more information, contact the Toys for Tots hotline at 905-825-4747 ext. 4TOT (4868).

Information can also be obtained via e-mail to: