Dear Andy,

Throughout March—recognized as National Reading Month—we had the opportunity to join forces with our partners across the Nation to support children and families in meaningful ways. Together, we helped expand access to books and educational resources, giving children the chance to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and discover the joy of reading.

We also saw that impact come to life firsthand—most notably at the KPMG Lakehouse event, where more than 150 backpacks filled with STEM supplies and toys were assembled for children in the Orlando area, delivering more than $8,000 in resources and raising an additional $3,000 to continue supporting this work.

Moments like these reflect what's possible when people come together united by a shared commitment to children—creating opportunities for growth, encouragement, and joy in ways that leave a lasting mark.

Because of you, these moments continue to reach children across the Nation.

With gratitude,

LtGen James B. Laster, USMC (Retired)
President & CEO

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation 

March was National Reading Month, a time to celebrate literacy and its power to shape a child's future. Through our Chapters of Change initiative, we expanded access to books for children in underserved communities.

Since launching, we have distributed nearly 63 million books, including 2.8 million in 2025 alone—a reminder of how much this work matters for the millions of children who still lack access to books.

With donor support, we continued to turn the page on poverty—helping children build confidence, spark imagination, and reach their full potential.

Toys for Tots joined KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler) for a powerful community impact event at the KPMG Lakehouse alongside LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation; Maj Gunnar Spafford, USMC (Retired), Vice President, Business Development of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation; and Marines from the 4th Maintenance Battalion.

Together, more than 150 backpacks filled with STEM supplies and toys were assembled, providing encouragement and opportunity to children in the Orlando area. In total, more than $8,000 in resources were delivered, with an additional $3,000 raised by KPMG professionals.

This event reflected a shared commitment to uplifting children and families through meaningful, hands-on support.

At a recent “Bridge the Gap” event, our Toys for Tots Literacy Program brought together nearly 500 students, families, and community members at a local Title I funded school. Led by Youth Ambassador Aiden D., the event featured a reading of B.E.F.A.S.T. Be a Superhero, equipping children with a simple, memorable tool for recognizing the signs of a stroke. Moments like this reflect how, together, we’re helping build confidence, spark learning, and create opportunities for children all year long.