Annual toy drive kicks off

HIALEAH, Fla. (WSVN) -- The Marine Corps Reserve is gearing up for their annual Toys for Tots drive.

At a Hialeah storage room Thursday, boxes are starting to come in. "These are for the six and 11-year-olds, whether they be race car sets, drawing easels, trucks with miniature cars in it," said U.S. Marine Corps Captain Jim Neville. 

Last year, Toys for Tots delivered 250,000 toys to 125,000 South Florida children, and this year, they want to match that incredible mark. "To see the kid you think you know would not have got anything had it not been for Toys for Tots, it makes it worthwhile," said Neville.

Gunnery Sergeant Louis Slagle said this year they might need to assist 200,000 children. "Anything goes a long way. The mission of the Marine Corps is to bring hope to each child, and if it brings one toy to do that, it lets the child know that people out there care," he said.

The Marines need the public's help to donate an unwrapped gift to help a child in need for this holiday season. "And the need this year is much more substantial because of the economic situation," said Slagle.

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