The Marine Toys for Tots program began in 1947 in California by Major Bill Hendricks with a Marine Corps Reserve Unit. Maj. Hendricks’ wife created a handmade doll and wanted to donate it to a charity but there were not any that served children at Christmas so her husband, Major Hendricks, created one! Maj. Hendricks, in his civilian life, was also affiliated with the movie industry and was with Walt Disney. They collaborated and created the Toys for Tots trademark train.
Locally, in 2003, the Marine Corps League, Detachment 1095, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, requested to be an official Toys for Tots program with the Toys for Tots Foundation. In 2003, 200 families were served in Warren County. The program has grown not only with Marine Corps League members but with hundreds of volunteers and is now serving 23 Kentucky counties in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In 2024, there were 31,000 children served and nearly 100,000 toys were distributed.
Currently, there are over 800 Toys for Tots programs across the United States. Many are run by active Marines in a United States Marine Corps Reserve unit. Others are run through Marine Corps Leagues who either have a Marine Corps League member or a civilian assist as the Coordinator. Locally, Janel Doyle has served as the Coordinator for the past 15 years and is under the direction of the Marine Corps League. Janel, the Marine Corps League members, and hundreds of other difference-makers are all volunteers. Along with the volunteers, there are hundreds of community supporters (individuals and businesses), and our media partners (radio and television), who make it possible to serve thousands of children. It’s a dynamic team that has a significant impact in multiple Kentucky communities.
Locally, our Toys for Tots program has a lot to be proud of:
•In 2024, a nursing home program was implemented. This program began at the Edmonson County Nursing Home in Brownsville. Toys for Tots supplies books, games, puzzles, baby dolls, craft sets, etc. to the activities director who distributes the items to the residents. Then, as the program advanced, we realized there was a need for clothing, food, and hygiene items for the veterans at nursing homes. Since Toys for Tots can only purchase toys, the local Veterans Service Organizations (American Legion, Marine Corps League, VFW, and AM Vets) rallied together and agreed to purchase all needed items for the veterans. Since 2024, we now service 30 nursing homes, with volunteers making deliveries in multiple Kentucky counties, and we are the only Toys for Tots program in the nation that has this initiative.
•In 2025, Janel Doyle, Coordinator, collaborated with Captain Monica at the Salvation Army in Bowling Green about working together to bring joy to the children that live at the Salvation Army. In March 2025, a Book Nook was created and placed at the Salvation Army. This nook is filled with love (stocking stuffers) and literacy three times per week. Then in May, Toys for Tots was approached by Tennessee Valley Authority to make eight additional book nooks for surrounding counties and they made a $10,000 donation to ensure this happened. In August 2025, an Eagle Scout created a Book Nook to be placed at the Early Learning Academy at Warren Elementary. In September 2025, Jailer Stephen Harmon purchased a Book Nook for the Warren County Jail. This nook is filled with goodies for the children that visit their incarcerated loved ones. In October 2025, our final Book Nook was placed in Hart County by our newest Youth Ambassador, Kinley. As of today, there are 12 Book Nooks that are serviced year around in 10 Kentucky counties. We are the only Toys for Tots program in the nation that has Book Nooks.
•The Toys for Tots Youth Ambassador Program was implemented in 2021 by the Toys for Tots Foundation. This program is for exceptional youth that volunteer within local programs. Kimber Doyle was one of the first Youth Ambassadors for the nation and was chosen as Youth Ambassador of the Year in 2023. Currently, there are 35 Youth Ambassadors across the nation – and our program has three of the 35. Trent Harris is a Youth Ambassador Mentor in Taylor County, Darby Meredith is a Youth Ambassador Mentor in Warren County, and Kinley Furlong is a Youth Ambassador in Hart County. The mentor program has a motto of “Children Helping Children” and, as the Coordinator, it is my honor to recommend these exceptional youth for this leadership role.
Now, none of the amazing facts that were mentioned above would be possible without the support of our local media, businesses, volunteers, and concerned citizens. Toys for Tots is in debt to everyone that puts their heart, soul, time, and contributions into ensuring less fortunate children, the elderly, and the veterans experience the joy of toys and love.
Donation box locations, how to request Christmas assistance and other information can be found at: https://bowling-green-ky.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=0&nPreviewInd=0&nRedirectInd=3
-by Janel Doyle
