Christmas is rapidly approaching and with it comes the busiest time of year for the annual Toys for Tots drive.
Members of Marine Corps League Detachment #1438 in Blue Ridge along with the help of numerous volunteers are busy working diligently to meet the growing needs of local children at Christmas.
And that need is definitely growing.
Toys for Tots Coordinator Jim Brumbelow said Saturday applications are up about 25% over last year when the program provided 4,833 gifts to 812 local children.
There are about 100 Toys for Tots collection boxes spread throughout Fannin County. These are scheduled to be picked up December 15.
Brumbelow says gifts for babies, toddlers and teenagers are typically the most needed. The League asks gifts be new and unwrapped with a minimum value of $15.
Anyone wishing to help with a monetary donation or by volunteering – packing gifts started Monday – should call Brumbelow at 404- 405-5024 or email morganton.ga@ toysfortots.org.