Fred Anderson, a Delta Omicron Sigma fraternity member, uses the holiday season as an opportunity to help others through charity.

Toys for Tots is a U.S. Marine Corps program designed to help disadvantaged children during the holidays.

Delta Omicron Sigma, a national veterans fraternity, will be involved this year to help raise money and collect toys.

“We wanted to do some kind of community service,” Anderson said. “We figured that this would be a good fit for us.”

The fraternity thought supporting Toys for Tots would be a great idea because many of the brothers are Marine Corps veterans.

Toys for Tots campaigns are conducted in more than 450 communities in all 50 states each year. The campaigning usually lasts from October to Dec. 22. After Dec. 22, the organization prepares the toys for delivery.

Collections already began at NIU, and will be accepted until Dec. 20.

The Holmes Student Center’s south bus turnaround and the Campus Life Building have boxes where new toys can be dropped off.

There is no preference as to the types of toys donated, just as long as they are new and unwrapped, Anderson said.

The primary goal is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to children by Christmas. The organization also accepts monetary donations.

The community plays a big role in the process. Dan Gallagher, a community coordinator of Toys for Tots in DeKalb County, said almost $5,000 was collected last year.

Social service agencies call the community coordinators to advise them which and how many children are in need of help. Police and teachers also may be aware of children in need of assistance.

Sycamore, Genoa, Somonauk and Sandwich also are pulling together to help the organization in DeKalb County.

The organization urges the community to get involved to bring happiness to many children this year.

“Anybody who wants to be involved can,” Gallagher said.

For more information, or to make a donation, call Dan Gallagher at 815-784-2606 or Fred Anderson at 847-668-9858.