Toys for Tots began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.

The program grew rapidly. The next year Walt Disney designed the Toys for Tots logo that is still used today, and 62 years later the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million children.

The people of Sammamish and Issaquah contribute to this vital work, and this year, with more families than ever feeling the pinch, local residents are again being asked to do what they can to put smiles on little faces at Christmas.

The Sammamish Police Department is once again accepting donations at City Hall, 801 228th Avenue S.E.

Bring a new, unwrapped gift to the drop bin located in the Sammamish City Hall lobby near the main entrance. Donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec 11.

Info: Detective Amy Jarboe at 425-295-0786.

Edward Jones investment advisors is supporting the Toys for Tots campaign by offering their offices as drop-off locations at:

• 45 Front Street North

• 1700 N W Gilman Blvd Ste 105

• 375 NW Gilman Blvd Suite C-102

For more information on Toys for Tots go to www.toysfortots.org