Over 70 years ago, one small act of kindness helped launch a charitable organization that distributes 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children, annually. In 1947, Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks’ wife Diane tried to donate some homemade Raggedy Ann dolls to needy children but failed to find an organization to do so. At her suggestion, Hendricks gathered a group of Marines to collect and distribute some 5,000 toys for local children.
Their efforts proved so successful that Toys for Tots was launched as a national campaign the following year. Using his civilian job as Director of Public Relations at Warner Brothers Studios, Hendricks was able to enlist the support of many celebrities. Walt Disney even designed the first Toys for Tots poster of a miniature three-car train, which was subsequently adopted as the official Toys for Tots logo. In 1956, a theme song for the program was recorded by Nat King Cole, Jo Stafford, Peggy Lee, among others.
Toys for Tots’ mission is “to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.” The stated goal of the charitable organization is to “deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens.” Today, local Toys for Tots campaigns are set up all around the world in various drop locations allowing millions of people to contribute to the holiday spirit.
In 1969, Marvel Comics’ icon Jack Kirby created a large 17” x 22” promotional poster for the Toys for Tots campaign. This desirable collectible item is currently being offered in Hake’s Auctions #225. The poster features Thor, Captain America, and Spider-Man handing out toys to children, one of whom is wearing a “Marvel Mania” shirt. This rare color version of the poster is captioned “Be A Super-Hero! Give Toys for Tots.” Eagle-eyed fans will also notice Kirby’s signature on Mjölnir.
Another fine Marvel lot being featured is a 11” x 17” stiff paper poster with full body images of Captain America, Incredible Hulk, Sub-Mariner, Thor, and Iron Man. This poster was part of a scarce series of 4 signs produced for Channel 7 in the 1960s. The word ballon reads: “Wow! Watch Captain America And All The Super Heroes - Monday Thru Friday - 4:30 P.M. On Channel 7.” The poster also comes with a mat for display.
These are just two examples of Marvel collectibles being featured in Auction #225. Countless other categories, including comics, original art, historical and sports memorabilia, are also being showcased at Hake’s Auctions.
Bidding has already begun and closes on November 13-15, 2018. Head over to hakes.com to get started on bidding and browse through further selections.
