Navy Federal Credit Union brings joy to over 20,000 families, a record year for its Toys for Tots drive
VIENNA, VA (December 22, 2021) — For 25 years, Navy Federal Credit Union has made the holidays a little brighter by hosting a collection drive to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Breaking records this year, the credit union’s members and employees donated over $20,000 and 20,000 toys to help bring joy to families who need it the most this Christmas.
“Our members and team members get excited about this give back effort and even ask us when the toy bins will be at our branches,” said Captain Keith Hoskins (USN Retired), executive vice president of branch operations at Navy Federal. “Knowing that we helped bring smiles to thousands of kids’ faces this holiday season is why we do this drive every year.”
Navy Federal’s branches are at the core of the campaign and serve as drop-off locations for toys. Over 260 of Navy Federal’s domestic branches participated in the Toys for Tots drive this year, which is around 75% of the credit union’s worldwide branch network. Members and employees also had the option to conveniently donate online.
“We are thankful to have Navy Federal Credit Union as a longstanding partner of the Marine Toys for Tots Campaign,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Their community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 74 years through our Toys for Tots Program. With their generous support, we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of thousands of less fortunate children, who otherwise might have been forgotten.”
In addition to the annual Toys for Tots drive, Navy Federal employees also gave back by fulfilling the wish lists of over 200 local families through its employee-driven, Project Neighbors program. Families were identified in partnership with local school districts and nonprofit organizations near the credit union’s operations in Vienna and Winchester, Virginia, and Pensacola, Florida.
About Navy Federal Credit Union
Established in 1933 with only seven members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving more than 13 million members globally and is the world’s largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, Veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. Navy Federal employs a workforce of over 24,000 and has a global network of 355 branches. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Marine Toys for Tots Program: Toys for Tots, a 74-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness, and hope to less fortunate children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books, and other gifts collected and distributed by our Marines and volunteers during the Christmas season offer these children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. Toys for Tots also provides support year-round to less fortunate families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus sending a message of hope beyond the holiday season. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year, the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7.4 million less fortunate children in over 800 communities nationwide. Since 1947, over 272 million children have been assisted. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, please visit www.toysfortots.org.
