The U.S Marine Corps Reserve holds a national toy drive called Toys for Tots in October through December every year.

“Toys for Tots to me is a great way to give during the holiday season,” Senior and QuikTrip employee Peyton Rives said. “Not everyone is fortunate to open a gift on christmas and this is a very sad reality for a lot of children in the United States. I think everyone should have this opportunity, so I want to do my part and donate this year.”

Quiktrips in Missouri are very popular drop off sites for donated toys and have been in the previous years as well.

“It is important to know that Quiktrip can contribute to families having happier holidays,” Quiktrip assistant manager Tom Kane said. “It’s just a reminder that we can all take small actions to help those in need.”

With Quiktrips being daily convenience to many people in the St. Charles area, it is a great reminder of how easy it is to give back to the community.

“I think that it is very important that Quiktrip does toys for tots because there are not many drop off sites I know if besides Quiktrip,” Rives said. “This allows people to simply drop off their toys at Quiktrip, and let them take it from there. There are also many Quiktrip’s around making toys for tots more accessible.”

Toys for Tots has minimal regulations as far as what cannot be donated; however, there are some regulations such as, no toys that resemble weapons and all toys must remain unwrapped upon donation.

“A few years ago, I donated a box of matchbox racecars,” senior Jesse George said. “You can donate whatever, my mom does it every year.”

Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 in California and is still a growing charitable organization throughout our entire country.

“Not only is it run by our Marines, but it is a way to make a difference,” Kane said. “ I hope the organization continues to grow and thrive and help families in need.”

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