BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA 
 
A PROCLAMATION 
 
TOYS FOR TOTS DAY 
 
WHEREAS: . 
 
Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks with the USMCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to children; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Major Hendricks' 1947 campaign was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots the next year, expanding it into a nationwide campaign. In 1948, the Marine Corps Reserve conducted Toys for Tots campaigns at Marine Reserve Centers across the country. Since then, the United States Marine Corps has conducted successful nationwide campaigns during the holiday season. Their initial objective, which remains the hallmark of the program today, is to "bring the joy of Christmas to America's needy children"; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Toys for Tots plays an active role in the development of our nation's most valuable natural resource- our children; to help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to unite all members of local communities ih a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better . communities in the future; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
More than 8.5 million toys have been donated by Georgians since the year 2000. The State of Georgia commends Toys for Tots as it celebrates its 69th anniversary of making Christmas brighter for needy children; now 
 
THEREFORE: 
 
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim November 14, 2016, as TOYS FOR TOTS DAY in Georgia. 
 
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 7th day of November in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen. 
 
GOVERNOR 
ATTEST 
{'~CI::OF~