Toys for Tots

MCWLCR has collected and presented over 6,250 toys

Toys for Tots is a program that distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by USMCR Major Bill Hendricks. Since 2014, the Marine Corps Warriors League Costa Rica has collected and presented over 6,700 toys to needy children in Costa Rica. We thank our sponsors and those who have contributed toys, time, and effort to the program. To support Toys for Tots, contact mcleaguecr@gmail.com

Toys for Tots event Friday, December 5th, 2025, at the Tap House Avenida Escazú, from 5-8 pm. Donate a new, unwrapped toy (ages 7-12) and enjoy a complimentary drink and a small buffet of snacks during the event. Thank you, Dave Arnn, GySgt Colby Rogers, and the U.S. Embassy MSG Detachment.

Toys for Tots event Saturday, December 6th, 2025, with a bus trip to the children of Acosta. Acosta is a canton in Costa Rica located in the center of the province of San José, on the intervolcanic plateau of the Central Valley. Children and adults with terminal cancer were given gifts. Adult patients who brought their children received gifts. Members in attendance were Peter Swing and his wife, Yorlenny, Andy and Patty Pucek, Marva Escoe, Chuck Turner’s wife, Steve Stoll, Leonardo Nelson and Santa 'Papa' Bill Crossley.

Toys for Tots event on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, at Hospital Mexico, to distribute toys to children from La Carpió, sponsored by the hospital’s non-profit arm. Thank you, Hospital General Director Vilma Campos.

Toys for Tots event on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, at Sendero de Luz y Esperanza. A non-profit organization, they are committed to nourishing children's bodies and strengthening their dreams.

We would like to express our most sincere thanks to all the people who generously donated gifts to children with few resources. Their kindness and generosity have filled these little ones with joy and hope, who today celebrate the magic of Christmas thanks to you.

Toys for Tots event on Thursday, December 18th, 2025, at the Aldea Arthur Gough Village Therapeutic Center, Rio Oro, Santa Ana. MCWLCR member attendees were Peter Swing, Andy Pucek, Steve Stoll, Rudy Matthews, Michael Barbosa, Patty Pucek, and Santa 'Papa' Bill Crossley. The Deputy Mayor of Santa Ana was also in attendance. Photos by Patty Pucek.

A total of 430 toys and 174 lunch bags were gifted this holiday season from the Marine Corps Warrior League Costa Rica. Semper Fi. Peter Swing, Commandant.

Toys for Toys December 20th, 2024, Christmas event at Hospital Nacional de Niños, San Jose. Photos by Peter Swing and Hospital Nacional de Niños.

Our objective today was to put some smiles on the kids’ faces and give them and their families a bright light during their darkest hours. I’m proud to say: mission accomplished.

I appreciate everyone’s support, from all members gathering the toys and storing them at Tun Tavern (Dave’s TapHouse) to helping distribute them to the kids today alongside them damn fine-looking jarheads in blues GySgt Colby Rogers and the MSG Marines. Ooh-rah!

Jerry and Ivette Karl, Steve Stoll, Eddy Casco, Ryan Cheramie, Leo Nelson, and dear old Santa Claus 'Papa' Bill Crossley, thanks for making the event incredibly organized and efficient.

Thank you, MCWLCR members and friends, for your toy donations. You were with us in spirit. It was great seeing those happy kids; it was an incredible gift for all of us.

We’ll be in touch about the next big event. In the meantime, Happy holidays to all of you, and may God bless you and your families. We are keeping our brother, Arthur Smiley, in our prayers. Semper Fi. Peter Swing, Commandant.