Toys for Tots began in 1947 as the brain child of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks. To this day, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is governed by a board consisting of veteran Marines. Their mission is to assist the U. S. Marine Corps in providing toys to deserving, but economically disadvantaged children during the holidays.

By placing wreaths on the graves of U.S. military veterans at national cemeteries across the country, including Arlington National Cemetery, WAA strives each year to remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children about freedom.

Are you a veteran, or an individual, that has a special or unique connection to or a story about Toys for Tots or WAA? Do you have a family member who has been touched by either organization? Whatever your story might be, we want to hear from you! Please email your submission to jjump@saia.com by Nov. 2. We’ll be publishing the stories in our upcoming issue of Amplify!