By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Marine Toys for Tots kicked their 6th annual campaign into gear on October 1.

Over the last six years, the Marine Toys for Tots of DeKalb County brought joy to almost 4,000 children with their distribution of over 20,000 toys.

“Our first five campaigns were a success because our Marines and the community worked together,” said public relations officer LaRue Hardinger. “With their combined efforts, we were able to help hundreds of families in need at Christmas time, and our goal is to do the same this year.”

Parents and guardians of children from ages 0-18 may apply for help with Christmas toys at the DeKalb County Department of Human Resources (Food Stamp Office) during the month of October. Toys for Tots family toy applicants must file at the DeKalb DHR office (not online) and must meet the criteria of the USMC.

“The child must live in the home, live in DeKalb County, and be between the ages of 0 and 18,” said Hardinger. “Children of age must be in school. There must be proof of financial need.”

Parents or legal guardians who are applying for help should bring with them a photo ID, recent utility bill showing their name and address, birth certificates and social security cards for each child, and any one of the following:

• Food stamp case letter

• Housing authority case letter

• Note from school that the child receives free or reduced-price lunch

• Note from Head Start that the child is enrolled

• WIC case letter

• Document showing recent loss of job; injury causing parent to become disabled and unable to work; recent event such as house fire or loss of home to natural disaster

• Documentation of legal adoption or guardianship of the children by the applicant

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program has existed since 1947 and this year, over 800 Marine Toys for Tots community campaigns will be held across the country.

Donations are accepted by the DeKalb County Marines. Checks should be made out to “Toys for Tots” to be processed and each gift is tax-deductible (keep a copy of the check or money order). Donations may be dropped off at a local fundraising event or picked up by a local Marine. For more information, you may call Hardinger at (256) 996-3111 to arrange for pickup.

A full list of events this fall: