For those of you who have not ever participated in Toys for Tots, it is a wonderful program. I try to participate every year. The drop-off points are visible (with or without Marine escort) in various places throughout most cities and town. They are not usually picky; this is the first time I've heard of them denying a type of toy.
But I think they had good reason. This is a program set up to help every one during the holiday season, not solely to help Christian children during Christmas. And imagine if a similar doll had been designed with Mohammed reciting Islamic proverbs? Oh the horror that would come from the drama tied to that.
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Toys for Tots declines talking Jesus dolls; says its recipients come from all backgrounds
Updated 11/14/2006 5:56 PM ET
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A company that sells Bible-quoting Jesus dolls said it was surprised and disappointed that the Marine Reserves' Toys for Tots program turned down its offer to donate 4,000 of the talking dolls."I believe as a churchgoing person, anyone can benefit from hearing the words of the Bible," said Michael La Roe, director of business development for Valencia-based Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co. and its one2believe division, which makes the line of Bible character dolls.
Bill Grein, vice president of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in Quantico, Va., said the offer was turned down because Toys for Tots doesn't know anything about the religious affiliations of the children who receive its gifts.
"We can't take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family," Grein said Tuesday. "Kids want a gift for the holiday season that is fun."
According to one2believe's website, the button-activated, bearded Jesus doll recites Scripture such as "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" and "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Toys for Tots distributed 18 million stuffed animals, games, toy trucks and other gifts to children based on financial need in 2005.
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And as far as Michael La Roe, I am not Christian; I do not believe in the Bible nor do I believe in Jesus as a divine being born to a virgin. But I have read and do understand the Bible - better than some Christians, and no, I don't feel as though it has helped me or that I've benefited from it in anyway. I understand his thoughts, there is a lot spoken of love in the Bible and who wouldn't want to hear about love? But, it's not a benefit just because it comes from the Bible.
I think it sucks! If someone wants to bring in Mohammad dolls, okay, but...ummm, why can't I bring in a Jesus doll? What if the child likes Jesus.lol. Anyway, do you know if there were any other religious toys brought in yet?
Simply Free
So far as I know, there weren't any other toys brought up referring to any religion. I think this was the first that hit that large of a scale.
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
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I heard about this yesterday and like you, am glad they refused the dolls. There are countless thousands of Christian charities out there that would be more than willing to accept the donation and distribute the dolls. Toys for Tots isn't a religious charity and it would be wrong to accept the donations and give the dolls away, not knowing what religion those receiving them are from. They made a good decision... unfortunately I can see a lot of people getting really worked up over this which is ridiculous.
"Reality is not for the faint of heart."
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."
If you do not believe in the birth of Jesus Christ you should not celebrate Christmas. After all, that is what CHRISTmas is all about - the birth of Jesus. Therefore, I feel that the refusal of the talking Jesus dolls is way out of line.
Christmas is not about all of the little children getting toys no matter their religious affiliation. Christmas is about the celebration of Jesus and to refuse something that represents Him is a travesty.
Perhaps. I can agree with the statement that if you don't believe in the birth of or follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, you shouldn't celebrate Christmas; but many do anyway simply because it is so commercialized that it's crazy. It takes over stores before Halloween is even around with decorations, recipes, platters, clothes, gift wraps, signs, marketing, and etc. Sometimes I wonder if Christians celebrate Christmas or X-mas? I mean, what in this commercialization is used for the celbration of Christ's birth? How does buying toys and food celebrate Jesus in any way?
But Toys for Tots does not only hand out to those who would celebrate Christmas, either.
There are several religious holidays that fall at or about the same time as Christmas: Yule and Hannukah for example. Both traditions involve some sort of exchange of presents in various ways. Toys for Tots is for them as well.
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
http://www.progressiveu.org/user/fanaile-drupal-org
Christians do not have a monopoly on the season. As a matter of fact, Christmas was moved to December to coincide with the Winter Solstice (a Pagan celebration). That's beside the point, however.
My point is, Toys for Tots doesn't just cater to Christians or to Christmas. I can agree that those who don't follow the Christian doctrine should not celebrate Christmas... but you cannot forget the holy days of other religions that fall around the same time that other religions DO celebrate. Toys for Tots gives those children toys as well.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."
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