(NewsUSA) - Last year was challenging for so many people, but thanks to the generosity of the American public, life was a lot brighter for millions of less fortunate children. Struggling families who were already contending with stressful circumstances also had to cope with a turbulent economy and the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

"On behalf of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, the United States Marine Corps, and the millions of less fortunate children who experienced the joy of Christmas, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you," said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in a general statement thanking the public.

"The tremendous support we received from the American public and our Corporate Sponsors enabled us to distribute an unprecedented 22.4 million toys, books, and games to nearly 8.8 million children in need. But you did more than provide gifts, you also sent messages of hope and restored self-worth to those less fortunate," adds LtGen Laster.

Toys for Tots' initiatives in 2021 included not only continuing to be the flagship children's Christmastime charity, but also seizing opportunities to provide comfort and relief to families in need during uncertain and unstable times outside of the holiday season.

The Program even provided toys, books and other gifts to nearly 18,000 children of the Afghanistan refugee families who have been granted asylum in the United States. As these families began adjusting to their new lives in America, Toys for Tots provided hope and joy during unsettling and scary times.

As a way to expand Toys for Tots' reach and support for underserved areas, the Program also stood ready to respond in emergency situations.

Toys for Tots provided support to the people of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee who were impacted by devasting tornados in 2021. Many of the affected families lack the resources to recover, and the financial and emotional impact will be long-lasting, especially with the ongoing challenges of scarce resources and COVID-19 concerns. Toys for Tots was able to provide compassionate support and hope to these families with distribution of toys, books and other gifts to their children.

These and other activities are just part of the Marine Toys for Tots efforts to provide year-round hope to families in need.

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program delivered 3.1 million books to Title 1 schools and children in need, and the Native American Program supported 186,000 children on remote Reservations.

Toys for Tots could not have reached these tremendous milestones without the support of the American public, the Marines and volunteers who led 832 local campaigns, and their National Corporate Partners. The generosity of the Program's supporters made an incredible difference to struggling families and their children -- when they needed joy and hope the most.

Toys for Tots still needs your help to deliver joy and support to millions of less fortunate children.

Please donate today by visiting toysfortots.org.