Features Editor

Although it’s not yet Thanksgiving, thoughts have already turned toward Christmas, at least that’s the hope of the U.S. Marines.

Each year the Marine Corps sponsors the "Toys for Tots" program, which provides Christmas

joy for many youngsters who, otherwise, would not have a visit from Jolly Ol’ St. Nick, said Sherri Senn, a Navy corpsman.

"’Toys for Tots’ is a nationwide campaign and the Marines are proud to be a part of this program which brings so much happiness to so many children each year," she said. "We know there are many who would like to join us in making Christmas special for children who probably would have very little, if anything. So, we are going to make giving easy by designating a large number of dropoff places in our area. We want to thank the merchants who have agreed to have dropoff boxes located at their businesses between now and Dec. 7. "

Participating businesses, include WTBF, Edge Regional Medical Center, Specialty Batteries, SouthTrust Bank, Brittany’s Restaurant, Half-Shell Oyster Bar and Grill, Jackie B’s Pit Barbecue, Troy/Split Ends, Troy Health and Fitness, Brooke’s Beauty Salon, Charles Henderson Child Health Center, Dr. Richard Schloemer’s office, and Sonshine Tanning.

A special collection date has been set for the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, at Wal-Mart and everyone who makes a donation of a toy will have his or her name entered in the "pot" for a drawing for prizes later in the day.

Senn said donations of new toys are requested.

"The toys may be donated to ‘Toys for Tots’ unwrapped, but if you do want to wrap the toy, we ask that you put the sex of the child and the appropriate age for use," she said. "Those who want to donated to the program but don’t want to go shopping for toys, may still participate by making monetary donations. We always appreciate cash donations which help offset the expenses of operating the program."

Deadline for dropoffs is Dec. 7.

Senn said the children who benefit from "Toys for Tots" are not served by other programs of Christmas giving.

"We have a special group of children who, for some reason, don’t qualify for other programs," she said. "Names are submitted to us by churches, organizations and individuals that a aware of children in need or families in need. We want every child

in our area to be remembered on Christmas Day."

Anyone who knows of a child or children who would benefit from this service should call Debbie Rhodes at CHCHC, 566-7600 or Faye Lunsford at 670-5000.

Senn also expressed appreciation to businesses that are donating to the program, including Dairy Queen, Wal-Mart Supercenter and Expert Tire.