Caregivers request a Toys for Tots pickup for a care facility by applying through the Toys for Tots local campaign for the facility's county or city. The facility's authorized contact completes the local campaign's agency request form and waits for pickup instructions if approved. Toys for Tots is a Marine Corps charity program that distributes holiday toys through local campaigns. For a care setting, the request is an agency request for children served by the facility, not a family request.
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Table of Contents
- Start with the local campaign, not the national office
- Can a care facility apply as an agency?
- What paperwork should you gather first?
- When do you apply and how does pickup work?
Start with the local campaign, not the national office
Apply to the coordinator that serves the facility's county or city. According to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation FAQ, caregivers choose "Request a Toy" and select state and locality to reach the local coordinator site in the Foundation FAQ.
That local site controls the process. It posts the correct agency form, dates, warehouse details, and contact rules for that area.
- Choose "Request a Toy" on the national site.
- Select the facility's state and locality.
- Open the local coordinator site and use its agency or organization toy-request form.
Can a care facility apply as an agency?
A care facility generally qualifies only as an agency or nonprofit organization. According to the Kansas City campaign, many campaigns require IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status verifiable in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search in the Kansas City campaign site.
The request must come from the facility's authorized contact. Wyoming, PA and Alameda, CA ask that contact to complete the "Agency and Non-Profit Request Form" or "Request Toys for Your Organization" with accurate contact information and the valid 501(c)(3) number.
What paperwork should you gather first?
Prepare proof that the facility may receive charitable toys and that you may act for it. United Way of Greater Atlanta guidance lists an IRS determination letter, an authorization letter on organization letterhead naming the contact, proof of address, and state registration where required. Get letterhead authorization before the window opens.
Name one contact person, check phone and email, and keep the 501(c)(3) number and address consistent across forms. For dementia or residential care sites, ask the administrator or compliance office for the tax documents. A mismatch in name, address, or tax number can delay review.
When do you apply and how does pickup work?
Facilities must reapply every year during a short local window. According to United Way of Greater Atlanta guidance, Greater Atlanta accepted requests Aug. 1–15, 2025, while Kansas City set Oct. 1–Nov. 1, 2026, so check dates early.
After review, the coordinator or partner contacts approved facilities to schedule pickup. Will County and Harford, MD materials describe contact commonly by email with an appointment date, warehouse location, ID rules, and confirmation steps. Plan to provide your own transportation to the central warehouse. Atlanta and Wyoming, PA materials warn that pickup may require travel over 100 miles one-way and that delivery is often unavailable. Toys are supplemental and not guaranteed, with reported limits near one toy per child or a goal of two toys per child ages newborn–14.
