Approximately 1,000 children received Christmas presents through the local Toys for Tots campaign last year.

Theresa Milar, the local coordinator for the campaign, said the goal is to help any child in need and reach out to more children each year.

Milar has been working with Toys for Tots locally through the World Outreach Revival Center since 1995, before the effort became part of the national program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps., she said.

The objective of Toys for Tots is to help less fortunate children experience the joy of Christmas, unite members of local communities to work toward a common cause of toy collection and distribution and to better communities for the future.

Every November, the organization in Picayune gears up to receive donations before Christmas.

“We want to be able to raise enough money to at least give five toys to each child,” Milar said.

The program invites all families in need to sign up at the World Outreach Revival Center, located at 900 Cayten St., anytime between Nov. 27 and Dec. 2.

In order to qualify, recipients must have a proof of residency in Pearl River County, provide a valid birth certificate for each child and have a valid identification card.

All donations go directly to Pearl River County residents and only new, unwrapped toys will be accepted.

There are approximately 100 Toys for Tots donation boxes placed throughout Picayune and Poplarville. Some of the locations include the Picayune Police Department, Walmart, Carter’s Jewelry and Walker’s Body Shop. The Nissan dealership on Frontage Road will host a pancake breakfast with Santa on Dec. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to raise money for Toys for Tots. For more information about Toys for Tots contact Milar at 601-798-7411.