Oklahoma Teen Organizes Largest-Ever 4-H Toy Drive Giveaway, Distributing Over 15,000 Toys

Oklahoma 4-H Toy Drive 2024-(Kurtis Hair, SUN UP)

MCALESTER, OKLA. (KOKH) — An Oklahoma Teen held the largest-ever 4-H toy giveaway.

Reed Marcum, 19, from Pittsburg County, gave away more than 15,000 toys to children and families in need.

Marcum and his team of over 100 volunteers distributed toys, clothing, and other essentials to families in a line of vehicles that stretched more than 3 miles near the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester.

The toy drive was launched by Marcum through Oklahoma 4-H in 2016 when he was just 11 years old.

At the time, the small walk-up event had 1,000 toys that were donated.

Oklahoma Teen 4-H Toy Drive (CREDIT: KURTIS HAIR, SUNUP)

“It means so much to make a difference for families going through hard 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 ensure I was beyond ready to tackle the challenges I saw in my community.”

The event has helped give more than 64,000 toys to families during the holiday season in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.

It’s also raised more than $3.5 million in funds and donated items.

“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 a sophomore at Oklahoma State University studying pre-law with an emphasis in sociology.

He plans to bring his public speaking and leadership experience to the courtroom as a criminal defense attorney.