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Annual tradition brings team members, members and the Marine Corps together to support children in need this holiday season 

VIENNA, VA (November 9, 2026) – Every child deserves to experience the joy and magic of the holidays. For nearly three decades, Navy Federal Credit Union employees and members have helped make that possible by filling Toys for Tots collection boxes with gifts for disadvantaged children in their communities.

That tradition continues today as Navy Federal kicks off its annual Marine Toys for Tots toy collection drive. From Nov. 9 through Dec. 5, members and employees can drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating Navy Federal branches across the country.

“For 29 years, our team members and members have come together in support of Toys for Tots to help make the holidays brighter for children and families in the communities we serve,” said Elizabeth O'Brien, senior vice president of Military Affairs & Strategic Partnerships at Navy Federal. “As a military spouse, I know how powerful it is to see communities rally around one another. We’re proud to stand alongside the Marines and continue a tradition rooted in service and supporting the communities’ military families call home.”

This year, Navy Federal is expanding that support with a $50,000 donation to Toys for Tots, in addition to making more than 345 branches available as toy collection sites. The longstanding partnership is one way Navy Federal puts its broader commitment to supporting military families and strengthening communities into action.

Last year, the generosity of Navy Federal team members and members resulted in more than 34,000 toys collected for children in need during the holiday season. With branches serving as toy collection sites across the country, Navy Federal members and team members can continue that spirit of giving in the communities they call home.   

“Navy Federal continues to demonstrate what meaningful community support looks like,” said Lieutenant General James B. Laster, U.S. Marines (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Through its longstanding generosity and support of our Program, Navy Federal is helping Marine Toys for Tots deliver the joy and magic of Christmas to even more children in need. The excitement of receiving a new toy on Christmas morning can create a cherished memory and, more importantly, remind a child that their community cares. We are grateful for Navy Federal’s enduring partnership and commitment to helping us deliver joy, spread hope, and make the holidays brighter for children and families across the Nation.”

This year, there is an increased need for toys suitable for infants and preteens, including sports equipment, electronics and creative sets. Donations should be new and unwrapped.

Those who would like to join the effort can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at a participating Navy Federal branch location through Dec. 5.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Broadcast-quality b-roll and interviews from Navy Federal’s Toys for Tots campaign is available for download here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1lctmlng7k9nopm0rp7lx/ALKT3N3oVyMvKl17MmRYN6E?rlkey=hnxlh1qq4iitysuxpvneqdqjl&st=y8jjuo6y&dl=0

Interviewee names in order: 

  • Azize Hazou-Gonzales/Navy Federal Credit Union
  • Sergeant Michael Karneafel/ USMC
  • Gunnery Sergeant Joshua Beard / Senior Enlisted Advisor/ Assistant National Toys for Tots Coordinator
  • Staff Sergeant Raymond Phillips / Operations Chief
  • Maj, USMC (Ret) Gunnar Spafford, vice president Business Development Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

About Marine Toys for Tots: Toys for Tots, a 79-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to disadvantaged children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. Providing toys, books, and other gifts to disadvantaged children offers recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially, having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 325 million children in need. Because the need isn’t just at Christmastime, the Marine Toys for Tots Program also provides year-round support to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dreams of millions of disadvantaged children beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of War to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

About Navy Federal Credit Union: Established in 1933 with only 7 members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving more than 15 million members globally and is the world’s largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, Veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. Navy Federal employs a workforce of over 25,000 and has a global network of more than 380 branches. Navy Federal is contracted to operate the Overseas Military Banking Program under the authority of the Department of Defense, which provides Active Duty military Servicemembers deployed overseas with access to some 60 branches and hundreds of ATMs spread across 10 countries and territories. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org.