This Christmas, West Polk Fire & Rescue and East Polk Fire & Rescue are teaming up with the United States Marine Corps Reserve to make sure Santa Claus doesn’t pass by any Polk County children.

Between now and mid-December, families with a sincere need will be able to contact either department to request toys through the USMCR’s “Toys for Tots” program.

In the 58 years since the establishment of Toys for Tots, Marines have distributed more than 332.5 million toys to 158.7 million needy children.  Over its 14 year life span, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supplemented local toy collections with more than 55.5 million toys valued at more than $284 million, and has provided promotion and support materials valued at over $3.2 million.

To request toys, West Polk residents can call 423-338-4539 and East Polk residents can call 423-496-3341. Requests will be kept confidential.  Toy distributions are planned for the week before Christmas.