Families helped by Toys for Tots doubles

(WDAY TV) - The annual Toys for Tots program has kicked off in the northern valley and will continue until December 11th. The Marine Corps runs the program with help from the United Way.

People can donate new unwrapped toys at any of the ten businesses taking part including Columbia Mall, Denny's, and Conlin's. The toys should be for infants to 12-year-old children. All families getting the gifts have applied and been approved.

"The family must be on some kind of a program of assistance whether it's free and reduced lunches in the schools or food stamps and they've been referred to us through county social services, through the school districts and through some day cares."

Last year, Toys for Tots helped 133 families. That number has nearly doubled this Christmas.

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