Annual Toy Drive, Organized by 4-H’er Reed Marcum, Spreads Holiday Cheer to Families Across Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas
On Saturday, December 9, the annual 4-H Toy Giveaway organized by Reed Marcum, an 18-year-old 4-H teen from Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, distributed more than 10,000 toys to children and families in need across Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas for the holidays.
Starting at 3:30am, cars lined up for over 3 miles near the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester, OK, where Marcum, flanked by more than 100 volunteers, provided toys, clothing, candy, and holiday cheer to families and community members waiting in the vehicle line. Santa Claus and other recognizable costumed characters also made appearances during the event.
Marcum launched the annual toy giveaway through Oklahoma 4-H in 2016 – when he was just 11 years old – with a small walk-up event and 1,000 toys donated. Since then, he has worked with his hometown community of McAlester to give away more than 54,000 toys to date – and this year’s giveaway was the largest yet.
“I first started this project because I knew that every kid in my community deserved a present under their tree,” said Marcum. “This toy drive is about more than just presents. It’s about the joy of giving and helping those in our community who need it most. I’m grateful for the courage, confidence, and opportunities that 4-H has given me to stand up and make a difference for the people I care about.”
The 4-H Toy Giveaway is just one of the ways that Marcum has supported his community through 4-H. Marcum’s first 4-H service project—the 4-H Book Bag Giveaway – has distributed nearly 30,000 book bags to kids of all ages in his community. After a member of his community lost his life to pediatric cancer, Marcum started the Hudson Strong Foundation, a 501c3 organization which raises funds in support of pediatric cancer research and creates opportunities for other children to feel loved, develop self-confidence, and reach their full potential.
All together, Marcum’s projects have raised more than $3.5 million in funds and donated items. In recognition of his efforts, Marcum was named by National 4-H Council as a winner of the 2024 4-H Youth in Action Awards, which honors 4-H’ers who have used their 4-H experiences to create a lasting impact in their community.
“Reed’s commitment to service, his love for his community, and his remarkable leadership represent the best of 4-H,” said Greg Owen, Pittsburg County 4-H Educator and Marcum’s mentor. “I’ve been so proud to support his service projects over the years and to watch the inspiring impact he’s had on our community continue to grow.”
Now a freshman at Oklahoma State University studying pre-law with an emphasis in sociology, Marcum plans to put his leadership skills to the test as a future criminal defense attorney.
“The whole McAlester community is grateful to Reed for his tireless commitment to helping our community, especially during this season of giving,” said John Browne, Mayor of McAlester. “Thanks to the efforts of Reed and his team of volunteers, the holidays will be brighter and more joyful for so many families in our town and far beyond.”
For more information on the 4-H Toy Giveaway or to arrange interviews with Marcum, local 4-H leaders, or others involved in the event, please contact Elliot Levy at 4hcouncil@ssmandl.com. To contribute to the fund that supports the annual toy drive and Marcum’s other service projects, click here.
