In its largest event to date, the annual 4-H Toy Giveaway, organized by Reed Marcum, a 19-year-old 4-H’er from Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, provided more than 15,000 toys to children and families in need across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas on Saturday.
Marcum and his team of over 100 volunteers handed out toys, clothing, and other essentials to families in a line of vehicles stretching over 3 miles near the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester.
Marcum started the annual toy giveaway in 2016 through Oklahoma 4-H when he was just 11 years old. The first event was a small walk-up giveaway with 1,000 donated toys. Since then, he has worked with his community in McAlester to spread holiday cheer, giving away over 64,000 toys to date.
“I noticed that not all of my classmates had school supplies. I wanted to make sure they could get them,” Marcum told AGDAILY. “Then, when Christmas came around, I remembered that their families couldn’t afford school supplies, and I wanted to make sure nobody was left out and every kid had toys under the tree.”
Initially, Marcum recruited his family to help, but as word spread, other companies began donating, and more people came out to receive toys.
“It means so much to make a difference for families going through tough times and see the smiles on kids’ faces when they get the toy they’ve been wishing for all year,” said Marcum. “Our annual toy drive has grown over the years into something that brings people together to support one another and celebrate this season of giving.
It all started because 4-H believed in my potential and helped prepare me to tackle the challenges I saw in my community.”
Marcum’s community service efforts have raised more than $3.5 million in funds and donations. His first 4-H service project, the 4-H Book Bag Giveaway, has provided more than 30,000 book bags to kids of all ages.
After a member of his community passed away from pediatric cancer, Marcum founded the Hudson Strong Foundation, a 501c3 organization supporting pediatric cancer research and creating opportunities for children to feel loved, build self-confidence, and achieve their full potential.
In 2024, Marcum was named a winner of the 4-H Youth in Action Awards, which honors 4-H’ers who have used their 4-H experiences to make a lasting impact in their communities.
“For almost a decade, Reed’s dedication, compassion, and leadership have been a shining example of how 4-H’ers can transform their communities through service,” said Greg Owen, Pittsburg County 4-H Educator and Marcum’s mentor. “Reed’s journey from a shy fifth grader to the accomplished young man he is today is truly inspiring, and I know he will continue to have an even greater impact on his community in the years to come.”
Marcum is currently a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, studying pre-law with an emphasis in sociology. He plans to use his public speaking and leadership skills in the courtroom as a criminal defense attorney.