As the holiday season reaches its peak and families rush to find gifts for loved ones, the Toys for Tots program is encouraging residents across the Washington, D.C. region to remember local children who may otherwise go without presents. The nationwide initiative, run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, is once again seeking donations—everything from dolls and sports equipment to bicycles—to ensure children in need can experience the joy of receiving a gift during the holidays. With the donation window closing soon, program leaders say time is limited for those hoping to contribute.
According to Amanda McClure, warehouse manager for the Quantico Toys for Tots chapter, the local program covers a substantial area across 17 counties and regions, stretching from Arlington, Virginia, to communities north of Richmond. Last year alone, her team helped provide gifts to more than 134,000 children, making the region one of the most expansive and active Toys for Tots territories in the country.
To make donating easier, Toys for Tots has rolled out a new app that displays collection points throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland, including Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The app and local program websites also allow visitors to donate financially or submit requests for assistance. In addition, the Quantico chapter offers an Amazon link that enables supporters to purchase toys online and ship them directly to the Fredericksburg warehouse, eliminating the need to travel to a drop-off location.
The organization has long been recognized as one of the most trustworthy charitable programs in the nation. Charity Navigator consistently awards it a four-star rating, citing strong financial accountability and transparency. The nonprofit reports that between 97% and 98% of all contributions directly benefit children.
McClure emphasized that the mission goes far beyond simply distributing toys. To her, each donated item represents a symbol of encouragement and holiday spirit for a child who may be experiencing hardship. “Every child deserves a sign of hope,” she explained, adding that every contribution helps ensure more local families can enjoy the holiday season.
Below are key dates and donation details for Toys for Tots programs in the D.C. area:
Quantico Toys for Tots
• Final donation day: Dec. 10
• Final distribution: Dec. 12
• Toys distributed in 2024: 146,503
• Children served: 134,346
Montgomery County Toys for Tots
• Final donation day: Dec. 14
• Final distribution: Dec. 16
• Toys distributed in 2024: 84,124
• Children served: 37,000
Prince George’s County Toys for Tots
• Final donation day: Dec. 16
• Final distribution: Dec. 22
• Toys distributed in 2024: 113,753
• Children served: 40,000
Anacostia–Washington, D.C. Toys for Tots
• Final donation day: Dec. 15
• Final distribution: Dec. 19
• Toys distributed in 2024: 55,852
• Children served: 36,113
