The local Toys for Tots campaign achieved its target of donating 1,000 Christmas presents to children in Pearl River County this year.

Theresa Milar, the local coordinator for the campaign, said she would like to thank everyone who donated a toy or cash to help in the effort. She also wanted to express her appreciation to the local businesses and citizens for their participation in making this year’s toy drive a success.

Milar has been working with the local Toys for Tots through the World Outreach Revival Center since 1995, before the effort became part of the national program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Every November, the organization in Picayune accepts donations to help less fortunate children experience the joy of Christmas. 

Families interested in benefitting from this year’s campaign were required to sign up at the World Outreach Revival Center, according to previous coverage.

In order to qualify, recipients needed to provide proof of Pearl River County residency, a valid birth certificate of their child and show a valid identification card.

The program accepts only new, unwrapped toys. All donations received locally go directly to Pearl River County children.

Milar said the effort was boosted by a Radiothon on Dec.1 where pledges contributed to the total donation of $16,000 this year that allowed the volunteers to purchase more Christmas presents for the children.

Toys were collected via approximately 100 Toys for Tots donation boxes placed throughout Picayune and Poplarville this year.

Milar expressed her thanks to everyone who helped the effort achieve its goal this year.