Our mission, if we choose to accept it, Shoshone County, is to support the Kellogg High School Marine Corps JROTC program as they once again are in the midst of a toy drive for the Toys for Tots for the Silver Valley.

Major Craig Petersen, the senior Marine instructor at KHS, is the coordinator for the Silver Valley; and he and his cadets cover the cities of Kellogg, Smelterville, Pinehurst, Cataldo and Osburn.

“The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted,” Petersen said. “The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.”

Toys for Tots has proven to be a valuable asset for the community, both for the children and helping unite the local community.

“The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources — our children,” Petersen said. “To unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.”

If anyone would like to sign up for Toys for Tots, they can go to the Avista Building in Kellogg and fill out the required paperwork.

Petersen would like to extend a special thanks to Stovern Auto Parts stores in Kellogg and Pinehurst along with Walmart.

“These businesses are drop-off locations for Toys and always have boxes full of toys for the children,” Petersen said. “Their help is greatly appreciated.”

Last year, more than 900 toys were distributed to children in the Silver Valley. It’s truly a team effort with Santa's Helpers.