‘Tis the season for Toys for Tots, the national program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas.

This annual campaign collects toys throughout the year, though local establishments officially set up their collection boxes and Christmas trees last week.

In 2022, the Stanislaus County Toys for Tots distributed 23,210 toys to 7,010 children. 

“Last year was a great year and we expect 2023 to be even greater,” the organization said.

This year, there are 12 businesses in Turlock serving as drop off sites. They are:

• 5.11 Tactical at 3005 Countryside Dr.
• Ace Hardware at 3051 Geer Rd.
• Don’s Mobile Glass at 326 S. Center St.
• Edward Jones Investments at 2098 E. Canal Dr.
• Hampton Inn at 1821 Lander Ave.
• Jeanette Forni All State Insurance at 2012 W. Monte Vista Ave.
• Main Street Tattoo at 222 E. Main St.
• Mando’s Tires and Wheel at 1206 N. Golden State Blvd.
• Mechanics Bank at 2190 W. Monte Vista Ave.
• Monte Vista Self Storage at 2000 W. Monte Vista Ave.
• Rodig Smile Design at 3620 Geer Rd.
• Western Truck Center at 730 N. Walnut Rd.

New, unwrapped toys will be accepted through mid-December.

To donate money to the Toys for Tots campaign, find additional drop-off sites in the region or to request a toy for a child, head to https://turlock-ca.toysfortots.org/.