Toys for Tots promises to give away 2 million toys to fight coronavirus boredom

Christmas charity Toys for Tots is getting a head start on its giving and plans to distribute 2 million toys to children during the coronavirus pandemic.

Toys for Tots has partnered with philanthropic organization Good360 to help fight children’s boredom, the groups announced Tuesday.

“With families across the country at home on lockdown, the gifts we can deliver now will contribute to the well-being and educational development of our nation’s most precious resource — our children,” Toys for Tots said in a release. “They will give boys and girls something to smile about in these uncertain times, provide a welcome diversion and help relieve some of their anxiety.”

The goal of the Marine Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children. Through donations, the group provides new toys from its sponsors, including LEGO, Disney, Hasbro, Funko and Build-a-Bear.

The program, which began in 1947, collects and distributes 18 million toys annually during the holiday season. Good360 CEO Matt Connelly said the timing was right to start the program during the pandemic.

“We are seeing a dramatic rise in demand for a wide variety of personal and household items, including toys,” Connelly said. “We are pleased to be able to leverage our vast nonprofit distribution network to provide a measure of relief to families weathering this crisis.”

To donate money to Toys for Tots, which would help replenish their stock of toys, books and games, visit ToysForTots.org/covid.

Families in need of toys for their children can send a request at good360.org/toys-for-tots-donations/