Oklahoma 4-H Continues Annual Toy Drive When Founder Leaves to Serve in the U.S. Army

Reed Marcum started hosting a toy drive in 2015. Since then, he has distributed thousands of toys across his home state of Oklahoma and in Texas and Arkansas. Now serving in the Army, Reed’s family and local 4-H chapter are running the event.

PITTSBURG COUNTY, Okla. (RFD-TV) — For the past few years, we have had the pleasure of visiting with an Oklahoma 4-H’er who is making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate each Christmas.

Reed Marcum started hosting his annual holiday toy drive in 2015, and since then, he has distributed thousands of toys across his home state of Oklahoma, as well as Texas and Arkansas, with the help of hundreds of volunteers and generous donations.

Now Reed has graduated from school. He completed basic training with the U.S. Army and is deployed as a 19-K Amor Crew. This year, Reed’s family and his local Pittsburg County 4-H chapter are taking the reins and running the toy giveaway.

Educator Greg Owen with Pittsburg Co. 4-H and Reed’s mother, Angie Marcum, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report with an update on this year’s toy drive. In an interview with RFD-TV News, Owen shared some background on the toy giveaway, how 4-H has stepped up to make the event happen, and detailed what is required for the fundraiser to come together.

Marcum shared more about her son’s service and how the toy drive has taken a different shape in his absence. She also shared the joy and support from families who receive gifts from her son’s mission.

Donations to the Toy Giveaway can be made to the Sgt Miles Tarron Foundation and through Reed’s GoFundMe.

Related Stories
This week in Washington, National FFA members are advocating for the agriculture industry on Capitol Hill for National Ag Day.
Up-and-coming stock show competitor Saylor Soechting makes her Rodeo Austin debut, showcasing teamwork, dedication, and the next generation of livestock show competitors.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins surveys Nebraska wildfire damage as cattle losses, tight supplies, rising imports, and beef industry investigations impact U.S. markets. Roger McEowen outlines legal and tax considerations for ranchers recovering from wildfire damage.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller launches Agricultural Defense Program to combat pests, disease, and predators threatening farmers and ranchers statewide.
The Midwest event will feature hundreds of horses and offer nationwide bidding access to participants
A young exhibitor bring years of work and family tradition to the annual event.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

David Gruchot with USDA APHIS joined us to discuss the growing threat of invasive pests and the steps individuals can take to help protect U.S. agriculture.
ASFMRA’s Shawn Wood joins us to discuss farmland market trends in Arizona and the key factors shaping land values and water-driven decision-making.
CoBank Lead Energy Economist Teri Viswanath discusses their analysis of rising energy costs, rural impacts, and the outlook for fuel prices amid ongoing global uncertainty.
Risk management and diversification improve survival odds. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust discusses barriers to farmland access and efforts to connect the next generation of producers with retiring farmers.
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.
Higher fuel costs are raising grain shipping expenses. RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses how energy market disruptions are impacting farmers in new ways as the War in Iran continues.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
RFD-TV’s newest music series, “On the Record,” presented by John Deere, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of country music. Hosted by renowned broadcaster, Suzanne Alexander, the show features long-form interviews with today’s biggest artists and the veterans who inspired them. “On the Record” also gives viewers a front row seat to intimate performances and exclusive music video releases, highlighting the broad scope of Nashville’s talent.