The more than 75-year success story of Toys for Tots may seem like a fairly simple story: the Marine Corp reserve starts up a holiday charity for needy kids. But there’s more to it than that. From humble, almost accidental beginnings in 1947, the program was able to grow through a unique mix of show business connections, celebrity endorsements, political influence, post World War II America, and...Walt Disney. 

Music in this episode

• "Lullaby" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
• "Toys for Tots" — Nat King Cole, via Toys for Tots Foundation, used with permission
• "Feelings of Twilight" — Shady Dave, via Freesound
• "Silent Night" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay
• "Germination" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
• "Eternal Hope" — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library

Connect with Me

• Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
• Email: [email protected]

Books

Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life.

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)