Click the image above to see more photos from the Toys for Tots drive.

Toys were collected from Hattie Mae White on Friday, Dec. 14, for the United States Marine Corps Reserve’s annual Toys for Tots campaign. Collection boxes were placed in the administrative building and at several schools over the last several weeks.

Marines, with the aid of local social welfare agencies and churches, will distribute the toys to children from economically challenged families on Christmas Day.

First Sgt. Mack Grimmett, who was on hand to pick up the toys, said today is the reserve’s major distribution day. The reserve is partnering with Houston Children’s Charity today to distribute toys at the George R. Brown Convention Center. He said the effort continues to be a huge help to needy families across Houston.

 “The need is always going to be there because there are always families that are going to be hurting,” Grimmett said. “But the good thing about being here is that Houston is such a patriotic city that we’ve never had a problem with people not giving.”

Today marks the last day of HISD’s employee campaign, but it’s not too late to donate a toy to the effort. The donation boxes will remain in the lobby through Dec. 19. For more information or to make a donation online, visit the Toys for Tots Web site.