The Marine Corps League Toys for Tots program is a nationwide endeavor that helps children and their families celebrate Christmas. The gifts, new and unwrapped, are delivered to homes or sometimes to dropoff locations to avoid delivering gifts when no one is home.

Area Toys for Tots coordinator Jim Winder said it takes 30 to 40 people to operate the Marine Corps League Mason O. Yarbrough Detachment toys distribution program, which serves Southeast Missouri. That includes Charleston, Jackson, Marble Hill, East Prairie, Sikeston, Oran, Benton, Chaffee and Whitewater.

"I was retired and had the time to devote to it," Winder said. "All the younger guys come out after they get off work. It's a group effort. From Nov. 15 on, it's almost a full-time job."

The Marine Corps Auxiliary also provides help in matching age-appropriate toys and gifts to children. Groups of churches help to sort through and group toys together at the end of the project, which concluded Saturday.

According to Winder, the program served 1,386 children plus 637 families last year. Last year, the toys were delivered up until Christmas Eve because of the snow, but this year's plans include having everything delivered by Friday.

Marine Corp League member Dick Decker helps Winder from November -- when the Marines often make public appearances in uniform to encourage gift giving -- until the end, participating in all facets of the program.

"This is what I do for Christmas," Decker said. "I don't decorate. I don't send out cards."

Lists of families needing gifts are provided by East Missouri Action Agency, the Salvation Army and area schools.

"Toys for Tots is a Marine service to the community," winder said. "It's a way of taking care of your fellow man and being faithful to all."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133