DeKalb is one of 700 communities nationwide this year participating in Toys for Tots.

The program started in 1947 when Diane Hendricks, wife of Marine Corps Major Bill Hendricks crafted a Raggedy Ann doll to give to a charitable organization that donates toys to needy children for Christmas.

When Major Hendricks realized such an organization did not exist, he decided to create one using the resources of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

This is the 13th year DeKalb has participated in the program, and the organization expects to receive over 10,000 toys, said local coordinator Peter May.

Last year, the organization collected about 10,000 toys to give to more than 3,000 needy children, May said.

Since Nov. 4, Marines have collected about 3,500 toys for the 2,000 children signed up to receive gifts, May said.

The program ends Dec. 16, but is still accepting applicants.

Needy families with children, newborns to teenagers, can apply through the DeKalb County Health Department or contact Peter May at 815-761-7732.

After applying, families can pick up gifts Dec. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. or Dec. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sycamore Armory, 516 E. State St.

This is May’s first year as coordinator, but he has participated in Toys for Tots for more than five years. Although the hours are long, he said he is happy to be part of the hope these gifts bring to the children.

First year volunteer, Sgt. Shadrack Harper said volunteering not only is a good way to help children but it is a chance to meet new people who share a common attitude for charity.

Harper said he collected more than $1,000 at O’Leary’s Pub and Grill in Rockford Nov. 16. He traveled to Rockford again last weekend and collected toys outside of a Wal-Mart with local radio station 97WZOK.

Volunteers will still be needed Dec. 17 to sort the toys and start filling orders, May said.

Volunteers can call 815-761-7732, or simply show up at the Sycamore Armory after 9 a.m., he said.

DeKalb Toys for Tots drop-box locations:

Holmes Student Center:

Engineered Storage Products, 345 Harvestore Dr., DeKalb

American Bank, 913 S. Fourth St., DeKalb

Bill White’s Car Hospital, 303 N. Seventh St, DeKalb

DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb

BJB Photography, 129 E. Locust St., DeKalb

Best Western Motel, 1212 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb

McCabe Realty, 120 W. Hillcrest Dr., DeKalb

Jewel Foods, 1322 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb

Big Lots, 1700 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb

Dollar Tree, 2350 Sycamore Rd. # A., DeKalb

Best Buy, 2074 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb

The Deals Store, 2359 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb

Wright’s Athletic Club, 2686 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore

Coldwell Bankers, 2600 DeKalb Ave. # A, Sycamore

Fifth Third Bank, 2707 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb