These toys were donated by Morgan County Schools’ employees to the Toys for Tots program in support of a project sponsored by the Morgan County Education Association. MCEA President Della Carmen, right, and Eva Dobbs, treasurer, turned the gifts over to Marine S/Sgt Michael Williams Thursday. | Clif Knight

The Toys for Tots program for North Alabama received a boost from the Morgan County Teachers Association Thursday, when Marine reservists stopped by the central office to pick up 724 toys and a $500 cash contribution.

MCTA President Della Carmen said most of the toys were purchased and contributed by Morgan County Schools employees.

“We’re down some from last year on the number of toy donated,” she said. “But we decided to made a cash contribution because of the difficulty of finding toys for pre-teens.”

The toys were picked up by Staff Sgt. Michael Williams and Sgt. Jaynes Collins. They were transported to the Toys for Tots warehouse in Huntsville and are being delivered to children of needy families in 13 North Alabama counties this week.

“It not about us, it’s all about the kids,” said Williams. “It make us feel good knowing that we’re giving back something to the community, and helping to put a smile on the face of a deserving kid at Christmastime.”

Williams said planning the Toys for Tots program begins Oct. 1 each year. Parents register their children as prospective recipients and approval is granted based on family income. Distribution will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday from the Marine Corps warehouse at 9034 South Memorial Parkway.

“We handle about 60,000 toys with the help of some volunteers,” Williams pointed out. “It’s a big job; that’s why we set aside three pickup days.”