Jackson officers and firefighters collecting donations for annual Toys for Tots

Jackson officers and firefighters are joining the effort to collect toys for kids in need. Both the Jackson Police Department headquarters at 216 E. Washington Ave. and the Jackson Fire Department Central Fire Station at 518 N. Jackson St. are designated Toys for Tots drop off sites.

Toys for Tots is an annual program from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that collects toys for children in need during the holiday season. Residents are welcome to use donation boxes in the police and fire department front lobbies to submit donations. Both lobbies are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Only new, unwrapped toys for ages 0-15 years old will be accepted. Once collected by the Toys for Tots organization, the donations will be distributed to various non-profit organizations in Jackson County so they can be given to kids in need.