ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On Nov. 25, 2024, the Maryland Natural Resource Police (NRP) announced the return of its annual “Boatload of Toys” program. The program is a gift drive that collects new, unopened toys and donates them to children in need.
Participants can drop off toys that meet the requirements in person or donate online through the Amazon Toys for Tots Registry. The registry offers a variety of pre-selected toys, including mini karaoke sets and toy John Deere tractors. These toys are distributed by the NRP to children across the state.
The “Boatload of Toys” gift drive is part of the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots initiative, which began in 1947. The program was launched after Diane Hendricks, wife of Marine Corps Reserve Maj. Bill Hendricks, asked her husband to donate dolls she had made to children in need. When Maj. Hendricks couldn’t find an agency to facilitate the donation, Diane suggested he “start one!” That year, Maj. Hendricks and his unit distributed 5,000 toys.
The program’s success led to its establishment as a nationwide effort. With the involvement of the Marine Corps Reserve, it became an annual tradition.
Thanks to Maj. Hendricks’ role as director of public relations at Warner Bros. Studios, he formed a friendship with Walt Disney. Disney later designed the iconic train logo for Toys for Tots.
Today, the Maryland Natural Resource Police’s “Boatload of Toys” drive continues the legacy of helping children in need.
“Between gathering toys at locations around Maryland, collecting monetary donations, and interfacing with those we serve, we value this effort highly,” NRP Superintendent Orlando Lilly said in a recent statement. “This time of the year can be difficult for certain families, and it’s important they feel the holiday love from us.”
The dates and locations for in-person drop-offs are listed below. Volunteer staff will be available to assist with any questions or concerns:
- Dec. 1, 2024
Pasadena Walmart
8107 Gov. Ritchie Highway
Pasadena
Noon – 4 p.m. - Dec. 7, 2024
Denton Walmart
610 Legion Road
Denton
Noon – 4 p.m. - Dec. 7, 2024
Hagerstown Walmart
17850 Garland Groh Blvd.
Hagerstown
Noon – 4 p.m. - Dec. 8, 2024
LaVale Walmart
12500 Country Club Mall Road
LaVale
Noon – 4 p.m. - Dec. 8, 2024
Berlin Walmart
11416 Ocean Gateway
Berlin
Noon – 4 p.m. - Dec. 8, 2024
Cockeysville Walmart
1 Frankel Way
Cockeysville
Noon – 4 p.m. - Dec. 14, 2024
Sykesville Walmart
6400A Ridge Road
Sykesville
Noon – 4 p.m.
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