The Toys for Tots annual program drive has ended and distributions were made Dec. 15 to those who signed up with the local Salvation Army.

Staff Sgt. Ellese Lawrence, Toys for Tots coordinator, Detachment 2, Supply Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 453, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, said they met their campaign goal and were able to serve more than 4,000 children. 

According to the website, www.toysfortots.org, the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

“The campaign went really well (despite losing our largest donor) and we really appreciate the support of Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and the local community,” Lawrence said.

Participating in the distribution were members of the local Boy Scouts and Kerri Copello, Salvation Army board member and news manager, Fox 31.

“I was there as a volunteer to give back to the community,” explained Copello.  “It is important to me at Christmas to see the smiles on the kids’ faces and knowing I was a part of helping them find that smile makes me feel good.  It is an honor to be a part of a local organization that strives to give back to the local community.”