William L. Hendricks, a remarkable individual, held a dual identity as a Director of Public Relations at Warner Bros and a retired Marine Corps Reserve colonel. In 1947, he co-founded the esteemed Toys For Tots gift program, a renowned initiative sponsored by the Marines.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hendricks took on various roles, including producer of short films at Warner Bros, and head of the studio's cartoon division between 1964 and 1969. His dedication and expertise were recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, which bestowed upon him an honorary Oscar in 1961 for producing the Marine Corps documentary "A Force in Readiness."
Hendricks' contributions to Toys For Tots did not go unnoticed, and in 1969, he received the United States military's Legion of Merit for his tireless efforts on behalf of the charity. Those who knew him described him as a quiet, yet effective individual who achieved great things.
Tragedy struck when his wife, Diane, passed away in 1988. Although the Hendricks did not have children of their own, Bill Hendricks fondly referred to the grateful recipients of Toys For Tots as "our children" in a 1982 interview. This sentiment underscored the profound impact the charity had on his life and the lives of countless others.
