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
Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI) cases are rising. In the last week, seven commercial turkey, duck, and egg layer flocks were culled across five Midwest states and California.
RFD-TV’s farm legal expert, Roger McEowen, digs into the details of both the LRP and the LGM programs, two essential risk management tools for cattle producers.
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
Persistently low Mississippi River levels are turning logistics challenges into pricing risks — tightening margins for grain producers and exporters across the heartland.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us with the latest on storm impacts, power restoration, and safety considerations following the ice storm.
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.
Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
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.
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!
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.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.