The Christmas season officially started Monday for local agencies partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. More than 150 donation boxes are in place throughout Hall County and await your new, unwrapped toy.

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Hall class is joining the United Way of Hall County in supporting the Marines’ goal to collect and distribute 6,000 toys to needy children in the community.

“We hope to meet our needs for all the needy kids,” said Marine Corps League Upper Chattahoochee Detachment No. 665 Commandant Wally Calderon. “As Marines, as fathers of this community, we hope to do this.”

Jackie Wallace, president of the United Way of Hall County, challenges all area residents to donate to Toys for Tots this year as more children than last year are in need of a toy to open on Christmas morning. She said it takes just one gift to put a smile on a child’s face.

“Please tell your friends, your neighbors and your Sunday school class,” she said. “It doesn’t take a lot. Think about a teething ring for a child or a book or a little makeup kit for a girl.”

She said toys ranging from $10 to $15 are welcome at the numerous drop-off points at banks, schools, churches and government buildings in the community.