Duralabel Breaks Toys for Tots Donation Goals

As part of its annual tradition, Duralabel employees continued in their ardent support of the U.S. Marine Corp's Toys for Tots donations program for a sixth year. In a few short weeks, Duralabel employees energetically embraced the gift-giving spirit by collecting new, unwrapped toys for community children in need. The staff beat its all-time Toys for Tots charitable donations in 2017 with a total of 437 new toys collected, a milestone lauded by marines at the Portland, Oregon, base.

In 1947, Major Bill Hendricks, who at the time was in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, began the collection of toys for needy children as a Los Angeles charitable effort. In 1948, Toys for Tots was launched as a nationwide campaign. Since then, the Marine Toys for Tots program has collected and distributed gifts to millions of children in communities throughout the nation. The charity's theme song was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1956, and the design of the Toys for Tots train logo and poster were created by Walt Disney in 1948.

"The holidays can be a tough time for many families," Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle said about the importance of the Toys for Tots program. "Your donations really make a difference. They bring hope, comfort and joy at a time when families need it most."

The Duralabel staff broke into three teams, each having toy donation goals to beat so that the team leader would have to wear an ugly sweater designed by staff. The friendly competition ensued to bring in as many gifts possible, such as Barbie dolls, action figures, games, makeup and sporting equipment for teens, and more.

"It's such a delight to see a smile on the face of a child who's been given a toy," said Christine Torres, public relations specialist at Duralabel in Beaverton, Oregon. "Contributing to their happiness is worth it, not just to help during the stressful holidays, but throughout the year."

The 437 toys were delivered to the 6th Engineer Support Battalion. The Marine Forces Reserve engineering battalion, under the command of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, donates the toys to the local chapter of Toys for Tots.

Marines from the battalion called to thank Duralabel staff for its "enthusiastic support" of the charity program. In the six years since Duralabel began participating in the charity program, the company's staff has collected 1,330 toys with ambition to donate more in the years to follow.

About Duralabel

Duralabel is an innovative leader, providing solutions for safety and visual communication since 1970. Home of DuraLabel industrial label and sign printers, the company's full line of safety products and consultation services are designed for the modern workforce. Duralabel leads the industry with safety training materials, educational resources, and up-to-date news and compliance information on topics such as arc flash, chemical labeling, and pipe marking.