Ten large boxes of toys and games, which were donated by students and teachers at Morgan County Schools, were picked up by two Marine sergeants from the Central Office Media Center in Decatur Thur., Dec. 11.

Sgt. Jaymes Collins said the toys, which will include 1,400 new bikes, will be distributed to children of needy families in North Alabama and opened Christmas Day. The toys will go to children birth to 12 years of age.

Distributions dates were Dec. 15, 17, 19 and 20.

“There’s definitely kids out there that need these toys,” said Collins. “And support for Toys for Tots doesn’t always come from donors who can well afford it. I met a man in West Alabama earlier today who had a new bike for us. He was driving an old, rusted out station wagon with one of its windows covered with plastic. I asked him if he was sure he could afford to give away the bike. He said, ‘Yes, my parents couldn’t afford one for me when I was a kid and I received one from Toys for Tots.’”

“Toys for Tots has been in existence since 1948,” said Staff Sgt. Craig Stone.
“It gives me a good feeling to be involved with a community project like this and know that these toys are going to children in need.”

Morgan County Education Association president Della Carmen expressed thanks to the toy donors.

“I’m pleased with the response,” Carmen said. It’s overwhelming to know that 6,000 kids will wake up Christmas morning and have toys under the Christmas tree.