Believing that the true spirit of the holidays is based on giving, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell announced today that the Registry will be sponsoring its 15th Annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive.

“The registry is proud to partner with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to help deliver a happy Christmas to children this holiday season,” said Register O’Donnell. “Also, we thank the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and all our Military personnel for their service.”

Donations of new toys and games for toddlers and children up to age ten can be brought directly to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High St. in Dedham from Monday, November 21, 2022, until noon on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. A marked donation bin will be set up in the lobby, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

“This year, especially with inflation rates at record highs, the registry is reaching out to the Norfolk County community to give to the Toys for Tots drive,” said O’Donnell. “Because no family should have to struggle to give their child a gift this holiday season.”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Toys for Tots. The program was established in 1947 when the wife of a Marine major wanted to donate a Raggedy Ann doll for Christmas, but couldn’t find an organization to accept it. Since then, the national program has delivered over 627 million toys.

Register O’Donnell noted, “Every holiday season, the Registry witnesses firsthand the many acts of kindness and Christmas spirit as numerous people drop off gifts for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. It’s truly wonderful to see so many people drop off gifts, from Registry employees to title examiners to attorneys and from the general public,” noted Register O’Donnell.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to help less fortunate children experience the joy and happiness associated with Christmas. The program operates in more than 800 cities and towns throughout all 50 states.

“Since that time, this program has spread so much joy with the gifts that have been donated,” noted the Register.

Register O’Donnell concluded, "We all have the power to make a child’s Christmas something special, and therefore, giving to the Toys for Tots drive just might make it the best Christmas present you can give yourself this holiday season."