Support Angie's Toy Chest Today

BY: Sandra Tornberg

On July 31, Angie’s Toy Chest celebrated the opening of their new location in St. Clair Shores, Michigan with a ribbon cutting ceremony and an open house reception.  Italian American Angie D’Aleo Morelli, the executive director of the organization, was delighted with the welcome they have received from the community of St. Clair Shores.

The Lakeshore Kiwanis, as well as individuals, donated everything that was needed for the office. Angie’s Toy Chest was started in Angie’s basement in 1993, when her son Jack was in the Marine Corps.  Angie began by buying toys every year and delivering them to Broadhead Armory, where she helped the Marines organize the toys.  She soon decided to have a party requesting that each guest bring a toy.

Angie’s Toy Chest is the largest privately sponsored United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots organization in Michigan.  Toys for Tots is a community action program that distributes gifts to millions of needy children every Christmas. It was started in 1947 by Colonel Bill Hendricks when his wife made a little Raggedy Ann doll and wanted to give it to a needy child. It grew each year as the need seemed to grow.

Angie’s Toy Chest holds three fundraisers each year. The largest is the Toys for Tots Gala, which will be held on December 4, 2025. The event has grown from the original 75 attendees to over 1,100 participants in recent years.  

The mission of Angie’s Toy Chest is “simply to spread as many toys across southeast Michigan to every needy child, giving that special joy during the holiday season.”  Angie quotes a wise man that once said, “No life is worth living unless it contributes to the happiness of another,” and she has dedicated so much of her life contributing to the happiness of thousands of children.