Community helps out in big way through Toys for Tots

Community generosity made Christmas bright for children from Perryville to Hayti, Mo., and as far west as Marble Hill and Poplar Bluff, Mo.

The annual Toys for Tots toy drive, sponsored by the Cpl. Mason O. Yarbrough Detachment 1081 of the Marine Corps League in Jackson, collects toys and monetary donations throughout Southeast Missouri to help provide Christmas presents and dinners for underprivileged children.

Monetary contributions this year totaled more than $7,000. Most of that money was spent at local stores to fulfill requests that were not met with contributed toys. The remainder of the money will be used to kick off next year's toy drive.

Local businesses collected toys and donations from the community through drop-off boxes and many employees pitched in with extra donations. Service organizations also got in on the giving by collecting toys from members in the month of December. Marine Corps members also manned boxes at some stores so that the public could easily aid the children.

From Dec. 16 to 17 a 27-hour grand finale push was made by local radio personalities so that every child in need could be served.

All donated toys were pooled at the Jackson National Guard Armory where they were sorted and bagged before being delivered.