September 30, 2025 — For nearly eight decades, Toys for Tots has delivered hope and joy to children across the country. This year, the Marine Corps League Detachment 14 in Fresno will once again take the lead in coordinating the Fresno and Madera County campaign, a task they’ve shouldered since the Marine Reserve unit relocated to Lemoore.
“Everything we do is for the kids,” said Jessica Montano, coordinator for Fresno Madera Toys for Tots. “It’s unifying. You see a lot of division in the world right now… this is the one thing that unites people instead of divides them.”
The mission of Toys for Tots is simple but powerful: collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The goal is not just to provide presents, but to deliver a message of hope that encourages children to grow into responsible, productive citizens.
Locally, the program’s reach is massive. Last year, Toys for Tots distributed gifts to more than 58,000 children in Fresno and Madera counties, supported by the collection of over 61,000 toys. Montano said this year’s target is similar—around 60,000 toys.
“We typically see the number grow a little bit each year,” Montano explained. “When I first started 12 years ago, we were around 38,000 toys. Now, we’re close to 60,000. That’s wonderful because it means we’re helping more kids, but unfortunately it also means there are that many families in need.”
The campaign relies heavily on volunteers and community partners. Around 200 agencies—including schools, foster family programs, and nonprofits—register children for the program. From there, the collected toys are sorted, boxed, and distributed by Montano’s core team of about 20 volunteers, backed by an extended network of roughly 100 helpers.
Collection officially begins Oct. 1, with toy boxes placed at businesses and community sites across the counties. Hedrick’s Chevrolet serves as the main pickup and drop-off hub, while River Park will once again host the campaign’s largest event—an all-weekend toy drive at the circle beginning Friday, Dec. 5 at 5 a.m. and running nonstop through Sunday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. Volunteers camp out for the weekend, gathering thousands of toys from donors.
Montano acknowledged concerns that political and social issues could deter some families from signing up, but emphasized that Toys for Tots is strictly a nonprofit effort. “We’re not government associated. All information stays local,” she said. “We don’t want kids to miss out because parents are scared.”
As the program enters its second year under the sole coordination of the Marine Corps League Fresno Detachment 14, members say it remains “near and dear to our hearts.” With the motto “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” as their guide, veterans and community members alike are committed to carrying on the tradition.
“This is about the kids,” Montano said. “We see the gratitude from families during distributions, and for some of our team who once received toys themselves, it’s a chance to give back. That’s everything.”
Community members can learn more, find drop-off locations, or sign up to volunteer by visiting fresno.toysfortots.org or by following “Fresno Toys for Tots” on Facebook.