DAPHNE, Ala.— Toys for Tots—a charity toy distribution program organized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve—kicks off Friday at U.S. Sports Academy and will run until Dec. 12.

New, unwrapped toys can be donated at the main reception desk at the academy from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

‘Toys’ also accepts cash donations, preferably in a check or money order.

Donations will not be accepted Nov. 26-27 due to the academy’s closing for Thanksgiving.

For more than 10 years, the academy and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve have worked together in collecting toys for underprivileged children.

“We collect them here,” Leigha Bolton, U.S. Sports Academy communications associate, said. “Then the Marine Corps picks them up and distributes them.”

Bolton fears the lagging economy will negatively affect people’s ability to make donations this year.

“With our economy the way it is, we’re concerned with the amount we’ll receive,” she said. “We know times are tough for everyone.”

Toys for Tots was founded by Marine Corps Maj. Bill Hendricks in 1947 in the Los Angeles area.

The following year, the Marine Corps Reserve adopted the concept and made it a national endeavor.

The program still maintains its original goal of bringing the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children.

However, the program has expanded its goals since being created.

‘Toys’ also includes social and humanitarian objectives such as delivering a message of hope, rebuilding self-esteem and mentoring poverty-stricken children, according to toysfortots.org.

“(The program) unites our residents,” Bolton said.

Cartoonist Walt Disney designed the original Toys for Tots logo—still in use today—in 1948.

Disney also created the first Toys for Tots poster, used to advertise the campaign, according to the program’s Web site.

From 1947 through 2007, Marines have collected 333 million toys and distributed them to 159 million needy children.

Campaigns are conducted annually in 486 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation became an operational organization in September 1991; it oversees fundraising and support for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

U.S. Sports Academy is at One Academy Drive on U.S. Highway 98.

For more information about the program, contact the academy communications department at 626-3303.

“Whatever people are able to give is greatly appreciated,” Bolton said.