Last year, the Kootenai County Toys for Tots program distributed almost 10,000 toys, more than 3,000 books and more than 2,500 stocking stuffers to struggling families so they could provide a magical Christmas for their little ones.

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"You have to remember, it's all about the kids," said Toys for Tots coordinator Ron Bell of Post Falls.

Kootenai County's Toys for Tots is sponsored by the Pappy Boyington Detachment #966 of the Marine Corps League, to which Bell belongs. This is his second year coordinating the county-wide drive that collects new, unwrapped toys for kids 12 and younger who otherwise might not have a merry Christmas. Bell said seeing those children happy is one of the joys of the job.

"Just seeing the underprivileged kids who don't have any toys and wouldn't have a Christmas at all," he said. "Basically, just seeing their faces light up."

Applications for families to receive toys through the program will be accepted Nov. 29 through Dec. 17. It is geared toward helping low-income families who are on public assistance and active duty military families.

"If they have proof that they were fired or lost their job and what their income is, then they're eligible," Bell said. "That came into play a lot two or three years ago."

Applicants must apply in person and provide proof of participation in any of the following: Medicaid, WIC, TAFI (Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho), food stamps/Quest card (verification of active status must be provided), Social Security disability, Supplemental Security Income or military active duty. Proof of a Kootenai County residence, such as a valid Idaho driver's license with current address, a utility bill or a rental agreement, will be accepted for verification. The parent/guardian's name must be on the document.

Only the custodial parent or legal guardian may apply. Proof of custody for each child is needed, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, guardianship papers, WIC, TAFI, Medicaid or an active Quest card.

Kootenai County residents who are not on public assistance but make a net income of less than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are also eligible to participate in Toys for Tots. They will have to verify county residence and proof of custody of their children as well as bring in their last two pay stubs for the determination of their income. Federal Poverty Guidelines can be found at www.aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/14poverty.cfm.

The assistance and residence proof must be brought to the Request Center with the applicant. The Request Center is located at the American Legion Post, 1138 E. Poleline Avenue in Post Falls and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Once requests are in, Toys for Tots workers will go through applications and bag toys accordingly. They will call families when the requests are ready to be picked up from the storage space, located in the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Maintenance/Training Campus at 5271 E. Seltice Way in Post Falls.

Detachment #966 has been conducting the toy drive since 1997. Bell said this year's program will be about the same as it was last year.

"We're going to try to give out one more book per child," he said. "We're going for three this year. That's the only real change."

Toys for Tots will be accepting toys for boys and girls who are babies, toddlers, 3 months-3 years, 3-5, 6-7, 7-8 and 9-12. No clothing or food will be accepted and the toys need to be new and not wrapped in wrapping paper. Bell said collecting enough toys for the older kids can sometimes be a challenge, so those who donate should consider giving to the 9-12 age group.

Donations will be accepted at several area grocery stores, department stores, banks, restaurants, fire stations and other establishments throughout the county. Monetary donations can be made online at www.toysfortots.org or in person by contacting Bell at 771-9093 or visiting the Request Center.

For a complete list of donation locations in Kootenai County, visit www.coeur-d-alene-id.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.aspx or www.goo.gl/g8g06m.