BEEVILLE – Marine Staff Sgt. Andrew Ortíz and some of his recruits will conduct a toy collection drive for the local Toys for Tots program on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in front of H-E-B, Walgreen’s and Bealls.

The Marines will be encouraging shoppers to fill their collection boxes with new toys to help make Christmas happier for needy children in our community. In addition to Staff Sgt. Ortiz’s assistance, the local TFT program receives major support from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Families who would like to sign up for toys for their children should register at the Beeville Vineyard, 210 N. Monroe St., from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. any day this week. Toy shopping will begin next week.

Collection boxes are also located in the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library and in many businesses and churches throughout the community. The UPS Store is collecting money to purchase children’s books for the Toys for Tots program.