Toys for Tots is alive and well in Southside Virginia, fulfilling its mission of “bringing the joy of Christmas to needy Children nationwide.”

Nearly 1475 toys were collected to be distributed to needy boys and girls in the area. What started off as an effort by the three Edward Jones Investment offices in Farmville has grown to be a collaborative effort of many local groups.

“This year, in addition to our own offices, we had collection boxes at Merk’s Place, Longwood, Third Street Brewing Company, fire departments, rescue squads, you name it,” said Edward Jones Financial Advisor Kerby Moore, who helped coordinate the collection. “We are especially grateful to all of the civic groups that helped out, such as the Rotary Club of Farmville, American Legion, VFW, Farmville Woman’s Club and Piedmont Area Veterans Council, just to name a few.”

Toys for Tots is a mission of the Marine Corps Reserve. Founded in 1947, Toys for Tots has distributed nearly 600 million toys since its inception. Annually, Toys for Tots distributes roughly 18 million toys to 7.1 million less fortunate children. The famous Toys for Tots red “choo choo train” logo was designed by none other than Walt Disney himself.