"The Pilot gave the 2008 Toys for Tots Campaign a huge jump start with its kick-off article on November 9," says Ron Base, local coordinator of the program, which is administered by Marine Corps League Sandhills Area Detachment No. 1001. "From that moment on, the generous folks in Moore County began to send in their checks. Our cash donations far surpassed any previous year."

With several new organizations requesting help this year, the program hit a new high of 34 county/church organizations requesting and distributing toys. Although the total toy donations were down, we were able to provide 3,300 children in Moore County with toys on Christmas morning as well as 200 children in surrounding counties who would otherwise have had nothing.

"We cannot tell you how grateful we are for your donations," Base says. "The toys speak for themselves, but the donations enable us to purchase the toys lacking in several age groups, to provide the batteries to operate many of them, to offer special toys for the children with special needs and to fund the operation of the campaign.

Thank you to all the churches, schools, government offices, area businesses, country clubs, golf courses, radio stations, restaurants and each and every individual in Moore County who opened his heart to our children."