HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Distribution began Wednesday for tens of thousands of gifts headed to children across the Tennessee Valley this holiday season.
In this case, it's not Santa Claus providing the Christmas cheer; it's the Toys for Tots program.
The annual effort by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, sponsored by FOX54, saw 2,306 children signed up by the December deadline. It's a number far exceeding the figure from this time last year, SSgt. Timothy McCollum said.
The number of toys distributed is much greater than the number of recipients, so children can receive several presents on Christmas morning.
As of Wednesday, the more than 30,000 toys had been processed.
The toy distribution is handled by volunteers at a warehouse in Madison. It continues through Saturday.
Volunteers are still needed.
"Especially this week. You know, we're doing our distribution from today all the way through Saturday, Dec. 14th, and we'll be here from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.," McCollum said. "So, if anybody else would like to come in, help, we would greatly appreciate it."
Contact information for volunteers is posted online. Last-minute donations are also being accepted.
Toys for Tots dates to 1948, when it was founded by Marines as a way to give back to communities in appreciation for their support. The effort led to the creation of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a non-profit public charity that has supported the project since 1991.