KELLOGG — NASCO joined Toys for Tots this year in giving gifts to children in need throughout the Silver Valley.

NASCO president Rick Luna said that finding ways to give back to the community is something that is “part of the DNA” at NASCO, and that with Christmas coming, the company searched the Silver Valley for ways to give back locally.

“A lot of employees at NASCO are parents, are coaches, and a lot of people here help with local activities, so we’re all very involved in the community,” Luna said. “We try to support the people here in every way we can, and so it was important to us to keep it local to our community.”

Major Craig Peterson the Senior Marine Instructor for the Kellogg High School Marine Corps JROTC program assisted in delivering the toys to Santa’s Workshop in Kellogg, where they are then dispersed to families who signed up through the prearranged application process.

“It’s absolutely amazing that they took the time and effort to do all of this.” Peterson said. “Any time I drop off toys, the ladies at Santa’s Workshop are always super excited. This donation gives them lots of options. A lot of kids will ask for skateboards or bikes on their list, but once we’re out, we’re out. By NASCO doing a lot of cool toys, it’s going to make for a lot of cool Christmas gifts.”

Giving back comes full circle for Luna who said that being able to help families in need during Christmas is something that for him, hits close to home.

“When I grew up, I was one of those kids,” he shared. “We had the giving tree when I grew up, so for me that means a lot to be able now, instead of being on the receiving end, to be able to help these kids out, and I feel like we are in a fortunate place to be able to do that now here at NASCO.”

Major Peterson said this will be one of the most successful years that the Silver Valley Toys for Tots program has seen, and he would also like to thank other local donors including Stovern’s Supply, Walmart in Smelterville, West Valley Realty and Artistic Touch Nails and Beauty.