Nonprofits/Philanthropy: LT. GEN. JAMES B. LASTER (USMC, RET.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO, MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS FOUNDATION, TRIANGLE
Published
During the pandemic, Laster says, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation learned how to make remote work successful and initiated a drive-thru concept that has made toy and book distribution more efficient for the nonprofit.
Toys for Tots isn’t just a Christmastime charity. It distributes more than 1 million toys and games to needy children throughout the year. Recently, the organization has helped nearly 18,000 children from Afghan refugee families granted asylum in the U.S.
Last year was a record-breaker for Toys for Tots, which distributed 22.4 million toys, books and games to 8.8 million children in need. The charity reported more than $347 million in 2021 revenue, and counted 55,000 volunteers.
Laster, who became the nonprofit’s CEO and president in 2020, served 38 years in the Marine Corps and retired in 2018. He’s a senior fellow for the National Defense University and mentors wounded warriors.
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