Morgan County Education Association collected a record 2,062 toys for the greater Huntsville area Marine Corps Reserve’s Toy for Tots Program.

The toys were donated by administrators, teachers, support personnel and students of Morgan County Schools and delivered to Marine Corps Reserve sergeants Aaron Dubay and Christopher Riley at the county media center on Thursday afternoon.

They will be distributed from Huntsville to children of needy parents throughout Madison, Limestone, Marshall and Morgan Counties Dec. 15-18.

“We set a goal of 2,000 toys back in September after collecting 1,500 toys in 2012,” said Della Carmon, MCEA president. “We’re thrilled that we exceeded our goal; this is our fourth year and our biggest collection yet, and want to thank everyone who participated.”

Sergeant Dubay said the donated toys would go to children (0-13) of needy families who otherwise might not receive gifts on Christmas Day.

“We probably get as much joy out of being a part of the program as the kids do,” said Sergeant Riley. “To us it’s all about helping someone who needs helps and getting to meet all of the wonderful people who participate as volunteers.”

“Sharing Christmas with children was something our organization decided to do instead of exchanging gifts four years ago,” Carmon said. “We collected 817 toys the first year and 1,100 the second year. As you can see, Toys for Tots in the Morgan County School System is growing by leaps and bounds.”