DETROIT – It's that time of year again -- Toys for Tots.
While you're shopping for your children, they're hoping you will put aside some gifts for kids from less fortunate families.
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The annual toy drive kicked off Friday at the Toys R Us store in Roseville.
It runs until Dec. 8.
"I want people to know it's important to get involved. There's a lot of families in need this year and coming out by getting involved and donating a toy," said Selena Passeno of Toys for Tots in Southeast Michigan.
Each year during the holiday season, Toys for Tots collects new toys to give to needy kids across the country.
A marine began the program in the late 1940s.
It has touched the lives of more than 200 million children over the years.
"This program for me is a chance to reach out and give back to people that try their hardest and they just need that little extra support. And by support I mean just someone to stand there and say everything is going to be alright," said St. Chad Gump.
People who are interesting in helping may donate new, unwrapped toys at any metro Detroit Toys"R"Us or Babies"R"Us store, and monetary donations will be accepted in-store and online at Toysrus.com/ToysForTots through Christmas Eve.
All donations will remain in the community.
Dewand Glenn always gives to Toys for Tots.
"It's the right thing to do. It's the only thing to do. If we helped each other out more often, there would be less tragedy. It would be better. The community would be," Glenn said.
Gump said it feels good to make sure it's a merry Christmas for children in our community who would otherwise be left with nothing under the tree.
"We are not here to replace the world. We're looking to put those smiles on faces and allow parents to smile back and provide the Christmas feeling," Gump said.
If you need assistance from the program for your children, you can fill out an application.