The big tree's arrival in Rockefeller Center makes me cringe.  For the 36th consecutive year, I will be battling the throngs that come to see that symbol of the Holiday season in New York City and make me slow down to a crawl to get around them.  But I'm hoping those throngs of people will help the 21st Annual Today Toy Drive spread joy to millions of children in the United States.  

Back when a studio on the street was something new in morning television, Today's then-executive producer Jeff Zucker wanted to get the crowd of tourists who came to the Plaza to wave at the folks back home involved in the Holiday spirit and maybe the show can do something to give back a little bit of the good fortune that was catapulting us to number 1.  The staff decided a toy drive would be fun, and so it began.  It started small, but since then, The Today Show Charitable Foundation has sent millions of toys and books and other gifts to literally millions of underprivileged American kids all over the United States and even on military bases abroad.

Even though there's been a lot of economic good news this year, and the poverty rate for children has fallen a bit, the percentage of kids in this country who live in poverty is a staggering 19.9 percent, by far the largest age group struggling to get by. More than twice the percentage of Americans over 65.  So while there are bright in business reports, far too many kids have way to little to celebrate.

Take a look at the stories of a few of the 180 non-profit organizations that are on the Today Toy Drive roster.  And if you want to see it in action, check out Natalie Morales spreading a little cheer at a party for foster kids in NYC.

So in the weeks ahead, know you can help, if not as part of the Today Toy Drive, take a look around your own community and contribute something to help families in need.