Toys for Tots
Each year since 2011, the American Association spearheads the Toys for Tots program in Singapore, joining forces with the US Marines and The American Club to host a charitable and festive family event benefiting the Toys for Tots program. Children and adults have loads of fun while collecting a bounty of NEW, UNWRAPPED toys to be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in Singapore. This event is a wonderful way to share with your family the joy of giving to others while you are living in Singapore. This event is a wonderful coming together of the American community organizations as it's supported by the US Embassy, The American Club, and AAS.
This is a wonderful way to teach your family the joy of giving during this festive season. Not only does your family contribut towards a worthy cause, but every year, children who attend the event also enjoy a wide variety of activities and food:
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delicious food
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holiday crafts
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cookie decorating
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live musical performances by the SAS Singers
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photos with Santa
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appearance by US Marines
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... and so much more!
Check out photos here from last year's event.
In addition to the event, many companies across Singapore host collection boxes where NEW, UNWRAPPED toys may be donated (no used toys please!)
WHAT IF I CAN'T COME TO THE EVENT, BUT STILL WANT TO DONATE?
We welcome all donations! Collection boxes will soon be located across Singapore. Drop off at any of these locations by December 3.
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AmCham | 1 Scott's Road #23-03
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Independent Project Analysis Pte Ltd, 80 Robinson Road, #13-04
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International Community School | 27a Jubilee Road
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Little Farms | Valley Point
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Marsh | 8 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 1
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Singapore American School | 40 Woodlands Street 41
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SOS Bar & Grill | 6 Marina Boulevard, #01-18/19 The Sail at Marina Bay
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Stamford American International School | 1 Woodleigh Lane
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The American Club | 10 Claymore Hill
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XCL American Academy | 2 Yishun Street 42
**Please check with each of these collection points prior to drop off, as some are only accessible by students, staff or members.
Toys are also collected the night of the event at The American Club. After the event, the US Marines distribute the toys to children whose Christmas wouldn't be as bright without Toys for Tots.
The event is also supported by BSA Scouts (formerly Boy Scouts of America) and USA Girl Scouts Overseas. The Scouts wrap the boxes, which are then delivered to American companies across Singapore. Our partner Allied then pitches in, picking up the toys for the event and also helping deliver them to the kids after our event.
AAS is proud to spearhead the massive effort that the entire American community gets behind.
This year, The American Club will once again be hosting. SmileFocus will also be on hand to help with crafts and BERNINA Singapore has donated a fancy embroidery machine for one lucky family to win in a Lucky Draw!
Purchase your tickets here!
ABOUT TOYS FOR TOTS
Toys for Tots began in 1947 as the brain child of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks. Actually, it was Bill's wife, Diane, who was the real inspiration. She had a few handcrafted dolls and asked Bill to deliver them to an agency that supports children in need. When Bill reported back to his wife that he could not find such an organization, she instructed him to “start one!”. Major Hendricks and the Marines in his reserve unit in LA collected and distributed 5,000 toys in 1947. Seeing such successful community engagement in 1947, the Commandant directed all Marine Reserve Sites to implement a TFT campaign transforming it into a national community action program in 1948. Presently, the Marine Toys for Tots Program distributes an average of 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children across the globe annually. We are very proud to contribute to this wonderful effort here in Singapore.
ABOUT THIS YEAR'S CHARITY
For almost 50 years, the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has been partnering children’s hospitals worldwide to support families during their child’s hospitalization. Through the programs in the many chapters around the world, RMHC has helped keep families of seriously-ill or injured children physically and emotionally close to the place where their child receives medical care, enabling, facilitating family-centered care for hospitalized children.
Worldwide, the RMHC has more than 380 Ronald McDonald Houses and more than 265 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at all the leading children’s hospitals. In Singapore, the local RMHC Chapter has been partnering with the National University Hospital and Institute of Mental Health in the last ten years through its programs out of the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms within the hospitals. Since 2013, more than 7,000 families have benefited from the Ronald McDonald House Charities Singapore. For more information, please visit www.rmhc.sg/.
ABOUT OUR CO-SPONSOR
The American Club's goal is to create a vibrant community with a distinct American culture; a place that families can proudly call their home away from home. The Club is in the happiness business, striving to enrich the lives of our Members, employees, guests and partners through fun, food, fitness and family, delivered with passion and pride. We are grateful for their support of Toys for Tots this year.
ABOUT OUR LOGISTICS PARTNER
Allied does a great job delivering and picking up all the boxes for us. We couldn't do this event without them! And also a huge shout out to the Scouts and Girl Scouts who wrap all the collection. Bravo!