Oklahoma State University sophomore Reed Marcum, at just 19 years old, has achieved a remarkable feat by organizing the largest-ever 4-H toy drive in his home state. According to OKC Fox, Marcum and a team of over 100 volunteers managed to distribute more than 15,000 toys to children and families in need, a line of recipients that stretched for over 3 miles near the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester last Saturday.
The annual event, launched in 2016 by an 11-year-old Marcum, began as a modest affair with only 1,000 toys donated during its first year. Fast forward to today, and the giveaway has expanded its reach to families across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. Reflecting on the impact of this initiative, Marcum shared with AGDAILY, "Then, when Christmas rolled around, I remembered that their families couldn’t afford school supplies, and I wanted to make sure that nobody was left out and that every kid had toys under the tree."
Over the years, the drive has not only grown in size, but also in significance, collecting more than 64,000 toys for children during the festive season and raising upwards of $3.5 million in funds and donated items. Marcum emphasized the community solidarity the event fostered, stating to OKW News, "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."
Aside from the toy giveaway, Marcum's charitable endeavors include a book bag distribution initiative and setting up the Hudson Strong Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research. His work has earned him recognition from the National 4-H Council as a winner of the 2024 4-H Youth in Action Awards. Greg Owen, Pittsburg County 4-H Educator and Marcum's mentor, lauded Marcum's growth from a reserved youth to a leading figure in community service. "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," Owen praised, as per OKW News. To get involved or support Marcum's service projects, interested parties can find more information to contribute to the annual toy drive and other service projects by visiting the provided links.
