A Gnome's Home by Matthew Yarnell

06/04/2026

Toys for Tots Literacy Program Provides Books to Local Libraries

As we look to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, the local United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program serving Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties is proud to serve our local communities at Christmastime and beyond. As “a year-round force for good,” the USMCR Toys for Literacy Program is excited to be partnering with the local libraries again this year to help support literacy in our area and enhance the Summer Reading Programs.

This spring, due to donations from folks like you, we have been able to distribute 2,980 books. While some of these were handed directly to youth and/or their parents, 0-18, at area events this spring, the majority were distributed to our local libraries to be given away this summer.

While there are so many things youth, 0-18, can do during their summer vacation, one of the best things that they should do is take time daily to read a good book. We know that if during Summer Vacation, youth don’t take time to read or are not read to, regression in literacy skills occurs. Therefore, the Summer Reading Programs at our local libraries combined with The Toys for Tots Literacy Program provide “a great opportunity for youth of our area to foster their love of reading and grow their own personal libraries,” mentioned Star City Librarian, Simone Kirk.

Now that school is out, it is time to read for fun and personal enrichment. Each of our local libraries have unique programs designed to spark youth imagination and curiosity. Additionally, the books available will enable them to enjoy many wonderful adventures. Therefore, the USMCR Toys for Tots Literacy Program encourages youth, 0-18, and their parents to find out what their local library is up to this summer and be involved.

If you would like to assist the local USMCR Toys for Tots Program with their endeavors, they accept toys, books, games, bicycles, puzzles, and other meaningful donations. Checks, cashier's checks, or money orders can be made out to Toys for Tots and sent to TfT Coordinator Matthew Yarnell, PO Box 199, Rison, AR. 71665, or dropped off at the Cleveland County Hearld Office or Rison United Methodist Church. You can also donate online at https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

Please share your love of reading with the youth of our area, and help lay the tracks for our future by boarding the Toys for Tots train today.

04/30/2026

Thank you C & L Electric for sponsoring the 2026 Literacy and Christmas Campaigns of Cleveland, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Dallas Counties of Arkansas!

04/12/2026

Star City Middle School Students Collect for Book Drive

During National Reading Month, Star City Middle School Students got involved in promoting literacy in our area by helping the local Toys for Tots Literacy Program collect books for their Annual Spring Book Drive. All the students were smiling as they carried the books out of the school and packed the Toys for Tots car. Star City Middle School Educator Krista Cotton, who helped encourage the students, indicated she was thrilled to assist with this program as “it is very important for youth to have access to books in order to improve their imagination and literacy.” Altogether, they collected 228 books for the local Toys for Tots Literacy Program covering Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties.

“I’m extremely impressed with their efforts,” indicated Toys for Tots Coordinator Matthew Yarnell. “With their contribution, we’ve been able to collect approximately 1,300 books for our Spring Literacy Campaign so far. These books that they collected are earmarked for our local libraries and will enhance our Summer Reading Programs. Through their efforts, these students have exemplified the primary motto of United States Marine Corps Reserve Youth Ambassador Program “children helping children” – those that have gone above and beyond in their communities to help those less fortunate than themselves, while also engaging community members on behalf of Toys for Tots. And I, as a US Navy Veteran and as a Civilian Coordinator for the USMCR Toys for Tots Program, salute them and say, thank you.”

Through your support of our Toys for Tots Literacy Program, children receive age-appropriate books and learning materials that help build confidence, expand knowledge, and open doors to endless possibilities. A book isn’t just a gift. It’s a doorway to dreams being fulfilled! “And while a primary focus of the program is aimed toward economically disadvantaged and/or at-risk youth,” Yarnell stated, “I personally consider all youth at-risk when dealing with the topic of literacy, especially since educational difficulties such as dyslexia impact youth of all economic levels. Therefore, I encourage youth, 0-18, to be involved in the reading programs through their local libraries this summer. Those who participate will have the opportunity to choose a free book. Then, by opening the pages of that tome, they will be able to go on a grand adventure.”

Join us in supporting literacy and learning. We are currently seeking reading books, picture books, cookbooks, activity books, and Christian fiction and non-fiction for all ages, 0-18. Books in a new condition can be dropped off at area libraries, the Cleveland County Hearld Office, Rison Pharmacy, Star City Hardware, JB Speedy Burger, Fordyce O’Rielly’s Auto Parts, Pine Bluff Aquatic Center, Ephesus Bookstore, McFarland Eye Care, Cable Lynx, and Oliver Furniture. Of course, we also accept toys, games, puzzles, and other meaningful donations. You can also donate online at https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

Please share your love of reading with the youth of our area, and help lay the tracks for our future by boarding the Toys for Tots train today.

04/08/2026

https://www.thv11.com/article/life/people/saluting-heroes/toys-for-tots-leads-effort-improve-literacy-arkansas/91-e86783a2-10c3-477a-9958-b9db1b0a9375

Arkansas Marines are swapping their toy bins for book bins, helping put around 63 million books in kids' hands since Toys for Tots began.

03/25/2026

Toys for Tots Literacy Program Provides Books to Local Schools

For children who struggle to read, the classroom can feel daunting and overwhelming. Approximately two-thirds of Arkansas youth read below grade level, some significantly so. Yet, many have been allowed to transition to subsequent grade levels despite low literacy abilities when being held back at least one year especially at a beginning grade level, K-3, would have given them the opportunity to provide additional time to mature and develop better literacy skills, enabling them to function more efficiently at more advanced levels of schooling where basics in literacy education are no longer a primary focus.

That’s one of the reasons the Toys for Tots Literacy Program partners with schools serving low-income communities across the Nation to promote the importance of literacy and help strengthen children’s reading and communication skills. By providing direct access to books and meaningful reading experiences, we help children build the foundation they need for success in school and beyond.

Without access to age-appropriate books and consistent reading support, confidence fades and learning can become harder with each passing year. That challenge is especially real for students attending Title I funded schools, where resources are often limited, and families face financial barriers beyond their control.

Nationally, The Toys for Tots Foundation partners with NAESPA, the National Association of ESEA – Elementary and Secondary Education Act – State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) with our annual Title I School project. During March, which is National Reading Month, NAESPA forwards a letter from the Foundation’s President & CEO, Lieutenant General Laster, to their network of State Program Administrators with instructions on how to request support from the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. The State Program Administrators then distribute that information to Title I schools who then submit their requests. We provide reading level appropriate books that focus on topics, as much as possible, on subjects that provide children with the tools necessary to be successful throughout their lives. Books that focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and titles that provide entertainment and enrichment. Due to the generosity of our donors, books are shipped directly to the schools at zero cost to them. You, our amazing donors, increase the number of books children receive annually through your generous contributions to this important Program.

Overall, The Toys for Tots Literacy Program distributed 2.8 million books in 2025 and has distributed over 63 million books to disadvantaged children in communities across the country since the Program’s inception in 2008. Locally this Spring, 2026, The Local Toys for Tots Literacy Program serving Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties of Arkansas has already provided 400+ books to elementary schools because of your generosity. Schools desiring books for their scholars or a teacher needing a specific reading book for their class may write to [email protected] to inquire.

In summary, literacy forms the foundation of communication and impacts many areas of a child’s life including academic achievement, interacting with others, and the ability to be successful throughout life. We would love and welcome your assistance with this endeavor.

Join us in supporting literacy and learning by celebrating National Reading Month and supporting our Toys for Tots Literacy Program—because every child deserves the chance to write a chapter of change. We are currently seeking reading books, picture books, cookbooks, activity books, and Christian fiction and non-fiction for all ages, 0-18. Books in a new condition can be dropped off at area libraries, the Cleveland County Hearld Office, Rison Pharmacy, JB Speedy Burger, Ephesus Bookstore, McFarland Eye Care, Cable Lynx, and Oliver Furniture. Of course, we always also accept toys, games, puzzles, and other meaningful donations. You can also donate online at https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

Please share your love of reading with the youth of our area, and help lay the tracks for our future by boarding the Toys for Tots train today.

03/10/2026

March is National Reading Month

Reading a book opens the door to imagination, builds confidence, and sparks a lifelong love of literacy and learning. This month, we have the opportunity to celebrate the powerful moments that happen when stories are enjoyed individually or shared out loud—between parents and children, teachers and students, and caring communities that come together to nurture young minds.

With your assistance, through the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Literacy Program, we are helping ensure that every child has access to books and educational resources that inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and lay the foundation for brighter futures. Every story read is a step toward opportunity, hope, success, strengthening relationships, and fostering love.

Many moons ago, while walking through the garden alone, a young man was pondering his life. His affluent life had afforded him the opportunity to learn to read. His family even owned books! His mother, who had no doubt been instrumental in helping him foster a love for reading, fretted for him and his future. Yet, she dutifully prayed for him and encouraged him to pursue a meaningful life. However, he loved the nightlife. He loved the partying, the drinking. And, of course, he loved the girls. But, today was different. The sun was shinning and the birds were chirping an enchanted melody. And over the hedge, a children’s song drifted to the young man’s ears. The words he made out were crystal clear: “Pick it up and read. Pick it up and read.” The young man rushed back to the bench where he’d left his book. And there, within the pages of that handwritten tome, he read something that truly had a remarkably positive influence on his life. One might even dare to say that his heart grew three sizes that day. Then and there, he chose to pursue a higher calling and eventually became known as St. Augustine. Oh, and that tome? Still, the greatest book of all time: The Holy Bible.

If you’re a parent or grandparent, you have the ability to help your child have a wonderful life by instilling in him or her a love for reading. Proverbs 22:6 encourages us to “train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old, he shall not depart from it.” Education begins at home. Your children are watching you, listening to you, and learning from you. Read to them Scripture. Read to them books that you love. Modify scenes and words as needed for their understanding. Read with them books at their level. Encourage discussions and critical thinking regarding what is being read. But most importantly, pick it up and read while encouraging them to do likewise.

If you’d like to help us in our endeavors to promote literacy in our area, the Toys for Tots Spring Book Drive runs through April. We are looking for books in any new condition: reading books, picture books, cookbooks, activity books, and Christian fiction and non-fiction for youth, ages 0-18. There are many drop points, including our local libraries. Your local church can even start a collection and help. If you’d like a flyer, write to [email protected]. You can also assist us financially online at https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

Please share your love of reading with the youth of our area, and help lay the tracks for our future by boarding the Toys for Tots train today.

03/04/2026

Toys for Tots Literacy Program Begins Spring Book Drive

The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Literacy Program covering Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties will be holding a book drive in March and April. “While we are seeking reading books, picture books, cookbooks, activity books, etc. for youth in need, at-risk youth, and youth in foster care for all ages 0-18,” indicated Assistant Coordinator Kymberly Yarnell, “We would also very much like to receive Christian fiction, nonfiction, and Bibles too. All books need to be in any new condition as we will be giving them out to area youth at local Spring events and to area libraries to give away as gifts to youth involved in the Summer Reading Programs.”

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program not only brings the joy of reading to less fortunate children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty. We aim to help area youth compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. This book drive corresponds with the National Reading Month of March, National Poetry Month of April, and all the additional national reading observations throughout these two months.

Yet, we need your help in order to make this happen. All Toys for Tots Programs are able to provide to others because of the generosity of local business owners and folks in the community.

Books in any new condition can be dropped off at area libraries, the Cleveland County Hearld Office, Rison Pharmacy, JB Speedy Burger, McFarland Eye Care, Cable Lynx, and Oliver Furniture. Of course, we always also accept toys, games, puzzles, and other meaningful donations. You can also donate online at https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

Please share your love of reading with the youth of our area, and help lay the tracks for our future by boarding the Toys for Tots train today.

02/14/2026

Love is at the heart of everything we do. ❤️

This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the incredible generosity and compassion of our donors, volunteers, Marines, and partners—everyone who helps bring joy, hope, and a sense of belonging to disadvantaged children across the Nation.

Every gift, every act of kindness, is a reminder that caring truly has the power to change lives. Through your support, children in need experience more than toys—they feel seen, valued, and loved.

From all of us at Toys for Tots, thank you for sharing your heart and helping create moments of joy that last a lifetime.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💌

https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org/

01/04/2026

Wrapping Up 2025

What a wonderful year it was for The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program serving our local communities in Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties of Arkansas. From the Literacy Campaign to the Youth Ambassador Program and concluding with the 2025 Christmas Campaign, the local USMCR Toys for Tots Program provided abundant opportunities for generosity from caring citizens in order to assist youth-in-need and at-risk youth, 0-18. We thank all of our volunteers who donated so much time to ensuring that the needs of youth were met. We also thank all those who donated financially, along with our national sponsors: Ollies and Dillards, our local corporate sponsors: Fordyce Bank and Trust, Simmons Bank, and Walmart, and local organization sponsors: The Area Agency on Aging and The Pine Bluff Kiwanis. And of course, thank you, thank you to all that helped with our collections such as Leon’s Catfish, Triple Cross, JB Speedy Burger, Cable Lynx, Rison Pharmacy, SEARK Boats, McFarland Eyecare, Cleveland County Herald, US Steel, Dollar General, Star City Middle School, Watson Chapel High School JROTC, Friendship Aspire Academy Elementary, and many others. Because without your assistance, this wouldn’t have been possible.

The USMCR Toys for Tots Spring Literacy Campaign got off to a bit of a rocky start as the coordinator had to be out of the area for several weeks for a family emergency. However, the 2024-25 Youth Ambassador, Kymberly Yarnell, grabbed the standard and rallied the local communities to eventually obtain first place in the nation bringing in 3,216 books by the official cutoff and over 4,000 altogether! Over 1,300 of those books went to area libraries. Dozens of those became Easter gifts while most were earmarked as gifts to youth involved in the Summer Reading Programs. Another 1,000+ were distributed directly to youth as the Local USMCR Toys for Tots Program setup at area Springtime events. And many more were distributed during the 2025 Christmas Campaign.

Kymberly aged out of the USMCR Toys for Tots Youth Ambassador Program in July and took on the mantle of assistant coordinator. In the Summer, she helped her campaign run Christmas in July drives and back to school drives, where she helped distribute backpacks, calculators, and other supplies to those in need. Then, when Fall began, she talked to area business owners and found some places where the Christmas Campaign could begin.

Gaining assistance from local organizations such as The Unitedway of SE Arkansas, The Pine Bluff DAV, TOPPS, and The Cleveland County Veterans Association, volunteers began the 2025 USMCR Toys for Tots Campaign in early October where they not only collected toys, puzzles, games, books, and other meaningful donations but also, provided parents with registration information regarding programs like Angel Tree and Christmas in the Bluff. Then, we teamed up with dozens of ministries and organizations such as Claus & Effect, Voices for Children, Turning Point Youth Center, Lincoln County & Dallas County Angel Tree Programs, Children’s Advocacy Center of SE AR, Cleveland County Cares, Cleveland County Central Delta Community Action Agency, Jefferson Regional Hospital, Friends of the Star City Library, and The Rison United Methodist Church to help distribute smiles, toys, books, puzzles, games, smartwatches, roadside emergency kits, dash cams, soccer balls and basketballs, stuffed animals, fishing kits, and other meaningful donations to youth, 0-18. We also enjoyed many community Christmas events where we were also able to distribute smiles and additional items such as Christmas in the Bluff, Rison’s Pioneer Village Christmas Program, and the Christmas events in Kingland and New Edinburg.

Overall in 2025, we were blessed and honored with distributing 6,548 toys, puzzles, games, and other meaningful donations, along with 5,908 books to youth, 0-18, in Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties of Arkansas.

Due to your incredible generosity, thousands of children in our area woke up to laughter, excitement, and gifts under the Christmas tree. You helped make this Christmas brighter for local families and gave the gift of hope and happiness. To everyone who contributed, donated time, or simply believed in our mission: You are the real magic this Christmas. Your kindness is the reason a child in need woke up with a smile, felt joy instead of worry, and created lasting memories. Thank you for making a difference. Thank you for bringing hope. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for bringing the magic of Christmas to life. May God bless you and your family in 2026 and beyond.

For more information about the Local United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Toys for Tots Literacy Program, or Toys for Tots Youth Ambassador Program, or to donate, visit: https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org or write to pine.bluff.ar.toysfortots.org

12/25/2025

🎅🎄🎁 MERRY CHRISTMAS from all of us at Toys for Tots! 🎁🎄🎅

Can you feel the joy in the air this morning? That’s because of YOU. ✨ –– Thanks to your incredible generosity, millions of children woke up to laughter, excitement, and gifts under the tree. 🎁

You’ve made this Christmas morning brighter for families across the Nation—and given the gift of hope and happiness.

To everyone who contributed, donated time, or simply believed in our mission: You are the real magic this Christmas. 🎁❤️

Your kindness is the reason a child in need will wake up with a smile, feel joy instead of worry, and create a memory that will last long after the holidays have passed.

Thank you for making a difference. Thank you for bringing hope.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for bringing the magic of Christmas to life. ❤️

🎅🎄🎁 Merry Christmas 🎁🎄🎅

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