Christmas will be a little brighter for many children and families in Kandiyohi County and western Stearns County through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve “Toys for Tots” Program.

And, Mills Automotive will again help make it happen. 

You can drop new, unwrapped toys through Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Mills Ford Chrysler and Mills Auto Center in Willmar. Both dealerships have special toy collection displays. The Mills locations are among about 60 in Willmar, Paynesville, Spicer, Melrose, Kandiyohi, Atwater, Freeport and Belgrade.

Steve Gralish, program coordinator since 2012, said the program typically collects about 2,300 toys. Last year about 1,200 children received toys. Gralish, whose father-in-law served in the Marines, says the program has grown considerably over the years. About 400 toys were donated the first year. He takes it very seriously. “It’s my responsibility to get toys to these kids,” he said. 

The Salvation Army also has a Christmas toy/clothing collection program in Willmar. They work together to get it done.

Children from infants to age 18 are served by the program.

About $7,000 in donations was received last year from people, organizations and businesses that is used to buy more toys, according to Gralish. The 2016 campaign had a great kick-off with a raffle, silent auction and disc golf tournament on Nov. 1 that raised $3,000.

Gralish has a big Christmas light display in his yard called “Santa’s Workshop Toys for Tots” that he uses to collect even more toys from those attending. The display has nearly 3,000 lights.