The Broad River Leathernecks, Marine Corps League, Detachment 1194, of Cherokee County, will kick off its Toys for Tots program today.

The Toys for Tots program was started by Dianne Hendricks, wife of Marine Major Bill Hendricks. In 1947, she crafted a handmade doll similar to a Raggedy Ann and asked Bill to deliver it to an organization that would give it to a needy child at Christmas. When Bill determined that no agency existed, his wife told him that he should start one, and thus “Toys for Tots’ was begun. (See www.totsfortots.org.)

“Your local Marine League cannot overstate the need that exists for our families this year, with jobs and economy such as they are,” said John Fowlkes of the Broad River Leathernecks. “It is our hope and goal to help as many children as possible, through our own knowledge of needy families and sharing with other clubs and agencies who share this goal.”

Fowlkes said the group will go beyond toys if the need exists for food or warm clothing.

Barrels and/or boxes will be placed today in various businesses around town. Collection boxes are located at Ace Hardware, Big Lots, Belk, Fred’s and the various Dollar Stores.

After the Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 12, the Marines will be at Prime Outlets from noon until 3 p.m., collecting toys and funds.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution to the project, may do so at: Marine Corps League, P.O. Box 667, Gaffney, SC 29340 (Toys for Tots).

For more information, contact Fowlkes at 864-489-6636.