More than 1,500 children in Northeast Missouri will receive gifts through the Toys for Tots program this holiday season.

Locally sponsored by Douglass Community Services and Hannibal Parks & Recreation, the goal of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community.

Last year about 500 low-income families from Marion, Ralls, Pike, Monroe, Shelby and Lewis Counties received assistance. Each child receives three toys, along with stocking stuffers and books.

There are coin cans and donation boxes in Bowling Green, Canton, Center, Eolia, Ewing, Hannibal, LaGrange, Lewistown, Louisiana, Monroe City, New London, Palmyra, Perry, Shelbina and West Quincy.

In addition, toys will be collected along the route on Broadway and Main Street during the Disney Winter Wonderland Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 7, sponsored by the Hannibal Jaycees.