The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is taking childhood outdoors through its Give and Go: Outdoor Adventures Start with You initiative. This program aims to provide children with access to outdoor opportunities that build confidence, curiosity, resilience, and joy.

Outdoor Experiences for Underserved Children

In support of this initiative, Toys for Tots partnered with local Toys for Tots Coordinator Gina Capate to host a hands-on fishing event in Maple Shade, New Jersey. The event gave 24 local foster children a chance to connect with nature in a fun, supportive setting. Each child left with a fishing pole and a bag of their own, but also with the feeling that their community sees them, values them, and is willing to invest in their happiness.

According to Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, “Outdoor experiences help children discover confidence, patience, and a sense of possibility that stays with them long after the day ends. Every child deserves the chance to step outside, try something new, and realize what they are capable of.”

Through Give and Go: Outdoor Adventures Start with You, donations are transformed into fishing poles, soccer balls, books, and games that encourage creativity and problem-solving. These experiences create space for children to simply be children.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.