Kevin Prieto / The Bulletin

With fond memories of the holidays from his own youth, Tom Marple is committed to making sure that all children of Central Oregon — regardless of the financial state of their family — have something to smile about at Christmastime.

“When I was a child Christmas was always a joyful and magical time of year,” said Marple. “It makes me sad to think of children in families that cannot afford to provide Christmas gifts.”

Since 2009, Marple has been involved with the local Toys for Tots program, helping to collect and distribute toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them holiday gifts. He currently serves as the warehouse manager, each year overseeing nearly 10,000 donated toys that are distributed to more than 5,000 children on Christmas morning in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Harney and northern Klamath counties. For Marple, and the several dozen others on the team of volunteers that coordinate the massive effort each year, the rewards are spiritual and uplifting.

“Those of us who volunteer to help with the program get a lot of joy from knowing we are helping to ensure that children who otherwise would have no Christmas presents do receive gifts,” said Marple. “In addition, the generosity of the people of Central Oregon who donate the toys and cash that have made this program successful is truly inspiring.”

Julia Dougan has been a volunteer with the program for three years and her role is to coordinate the collection and distribution of toys in the outlying areas of Central and South Central Oregon including LaPine, Madras, Sisters, Warm Springs, Prineville, Harney and Wheeler County as well as for the foster children in Deschutes County.

“We moved to the Bend area four years ago and I began volunteer work, something I had never had time to do while I was busy with my career,” said Dougan. “I found I really enjoyed getting to know the nonprofit organizations and selfless individuals who work so hard to bring Christmas joy to less fortunate children.”

For three months out of the year — October, November and December — the Toys for Tots program accepts donations of new, unwrapped gifts that are placed in donation bins found throughout the region. Cash donations are collected online through the national Toys for Tots website and are used to purchase additional toys to help meet local community need. All donated funds remain local, so those who wish to contribute should be sure to select “OR-Bend” in the dropdown menu.

“The great thing is that all of the money and toys donated here, stay here,” said Jody Houston Shaffer, Central Oregon coordinator of the program. “The national office is there to help with the overall support and programs, but everything that is donated here helps out our kids.”

Last year more than 98 percent of the money raised went directly toward toy purchases, said Shaffer, with 2 percent going toward operational costs.

“We work really hard to make sure the program funds are used for the kids,” said Shaffer.

The goal of the program is to provide at least one gift to each child in need, and gifts are provided for youth ages infant to 18 years. Last year the program had a large need for presents for older children, said Dougan.

“So many people generously purchase toys for our collection boxes,” said Dougan. “And who doesn’t love picking out that special baby doll or that big Tonka truck? However, one of our biggest needs is gifts for teenage children. These older kids are sometimes forgotten. While we can’t accept clothing, items like backpacks, purses, wallets, cologne and bath sets, beauty products, headphones and art supplies are really needed.”

Founded in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, the Toys for Tots program is a national program with local campaigns by volunteers. The Marine Corps League of Central Oregon founded the Central Oregon program in 2009.

“Although the Bend area is growing and prospering there are many families here with limited resources who may not be able to give their children much of a Christmas,” said Dougan. “Toys for Tots helps fill that gap, making the holiday season brighter and less stressful for these families.”

And it is not only families and children who appreciate the program.

“Parents that receive toys often have tears of joy and relief that they are going to be able to provide Christmas gifts to their children,” said Marple. “And I think that for everyone touched by the program it brings a sense of joy and hope.”

Dougan said it is hard to describe the sense of fulfillment that she and other volunteers feel, knowing that they are bringing Christmas to thousands of children.

“Toys for Tots volunteers truly feel the spirit of Christmas and the joy of giving to others,” said Dougan. “And the program gives everyone in our community the opportunity to feel that same way by filling up our collection boxes or making a donation.”

To learn more about volunteering with the program or to request information about applying to participate in the program, email centraloregontft@gmail.com or visit bend-or.toysfortots.org.