The Perfect Gift

When Taylor, a Marine Toys for Tots Coordinator, shared what happened in Denison County, Texas, we knew it would be the perfect way to show you the truly life-changing impact of your support. We hope you find this story as powerful as we do. Here it is in her own words: 

It was a couple days before Christmas. We’d just finished our last distribution. I was exhausted and the volunteers were too. It was late, and the heat had just gone out. 

That’s when Julia* called.  

I heard the distress in her voice the moment she spoke. 

Julia told me that she and her husband, David,^* had three young boys and a newborn. After a year of homelessness, they had just moved into their first house. 

But after paying their deposit and first month’s rent, there was no money left to buy gifts for their kids. 

This young family had nothing for Christmas. 

My heart sank. I knew our workers and volunteers were ready to go home and start celebrating with their families. But how could we say no? 

Every child deserves the magic of Christmas. 

“Come,” I told her. “We’ll wait for you.” 

When Julia and David* arrived, we greeted them at the nearly empty and chilly warehouse.  

With our Christmas tree still shining, volunteers patiently walked with them from one end of the warehouse to the other. 

As Julia and David picked out gifts, they were amazed they could choose three for each of their boys — and even more genuinely grateful to add stocking-stuffers and other items for their newborn. 

Finally, when their arms were full, we prepared to send them on their way. Until David shyly spoke up. 

“Any chance you have wrapping paper?” 

That’s when my heart broke. Here we were, looking at these parents who had worked so hard to provide a safe home for their children. Despite all they’d been through, what they wanted most was to give them a merry Christmas — but they needed help. 

“It’s okay,” Julia quickly responded. “We can use grocery bags. We’ll figure something out.” 

In that moment, something clicked for all the volunteers. 

“Immediately, we started digging through our pockets and our purses, pressing dollar bills and spare change into Julia and David’s hands.” 

Then, it dawned on me.  

“Do you have a Christmas tree, David?” 

“No, we just moved in a few days ago. I don’t think we’ll be able to get one this year.” 

So, that Christmas tree twinkling in the middle of the room?  

We took it down, boxed up all the ornaments and lights, and loaded it into their car. 

It was quiet as I walked with Julia to the parking lot. Tears rolled down her face — and mine too. 

Her gratitude was the best gift I could have received. 

“I just have one request,” I said as they got in the car. “Please never sell this tree. Use it for as long as you’d like. But when you’re done with it, give it to the next family who needs it.” 

As Julia and David drove away with their new Christmas tree tied to the top of the car, I was struck by something … 

Families come to us broken. But when they leave, they feel whole again. 

That, to me, is the magic of Toys for Tots. 

Taylor’s story is a beautiful picture of the power of your generosity. Thank you for giving the perfect gift of HOPE to children and families — at Christmastime and all year long. 

* Names have been changed for privacy