SEATTLE,Wash. - Walmart and The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in Washington will host an all-day toy drive on Friday,December 7,2012 at all 58 stores statewide. With this partnership,communities across the state will have a convenient opportunity to donate toys,bicycles,books and gear to the Toys for Tots program. Additionally,the Walmart Foundation Washington state giving council awarded a $25, 000 grant to the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program in Washington.

“Walmart is proud to support Toys for Tots to help children and families in Washington, ” said Matti Havener,regional general manager for Walmart in Oregon and Washington. “We are happy to partner with our dedicated Washington Marines so that children around the state can experience the joy of the holiday season with new toys,bicycles and helmets,books,games,gear and more. In recent years,together the Marines and Walmart have ensured that thousands of children have a special gift for their holiday.”

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation assists the U.S. Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. The program delivers children a new toy at Christmastime and offers a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible,productive and patriotic citizens. Most of the children served are 12 years old or younger. Today,there are nearly 25, 000 Marines,Marine Corps League members,veteran Marines and volunteers involved in the annual campaigns.

“We’re extremely grateful for Walmart’s generosity,which enables Marines in Washington to find appropriate gifts for hard-to-shop-for toddlers and teens, ” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Kurt Chmielewski,the Toys for Tots Foundation coordinator in Washington. “The Walmart grant also significantly increases the number of Washington children who will receive gifts this year through Toys for Tots.”

PepsiCo is lending support of the statewide holiday toy drive by facilitating the pick-up of toy donations at all Walmart stores in Washington.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010,Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education,workforce development,environmental sustainability,and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more,visit Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation,an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity is the fundraising,funding and support organization for the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The Foundation was created at the behest of the U. S. Marine Corps and provides support in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commander,Marine Forces Reserve,who directs the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The Foundation has supported Toys for Tots since 1991.