ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — The Albany Toys for Tots campaign is underway, bringing together Marines, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community members to provide Christmas gifts for children across southwest Georgia.

The 2026 campaign began Sept. 15 and runs through Dec. 14, when toy distribution concludes. Collection boxes will be placed at local businesses throughout the community, allowing residents to donate new, unwrapped toys.

The Albany-based campaign serves 13 counties and supported just under 7,000 children last year. Organizers hope to increase the number of families served this year and collect more than 18,000 toys. The Salvation Army’s goal is to serve at least 2,000 children and families through the partnership.

Toys for Tots is the Department of Defense’s largest outreach program and serves as a way for Marine Corps charitable organizations and local communities to provide toys to children who might otherwise go without during the holidays. In Albany, the campaign partners with the Salvation Army to help match donated toys with children and families in the community.

“It’s a feeling that you can’t replicate—having Christmas for the kids and doing the same thing for more people in the community, you can’t replicate it,” said 1st Sgt. Paul Alejo, Jr., the Toys for Tots coordinator at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany.

Organizers credit the community’s involvement with helping make last year’s campaign a success. Toy collection boxes were placed throughout the region, increasing exposure and awareness. Local donors also contributed monetary donations and toys, while an annual golf tournament and partnerships with the city of Albany provided additional support.

The Albany campaign was named the 2025 national Toys for Tots winner, outpacing every other region in the country.

“It’s the impact we had on the community that set us apart from the rest of the country. Albany is not that big compared to some of the bigger cities, but we had more of an impact just because of how massive we grew over one year to another. We’re hoping to replicate it again this coming year,” Alejo said.

“So, I think it really speaks to us coming together as a community. And everyone puts in just a little bit of effort. And we just don’t limit to how high we can go. And last year, definitely showed what we can do when we all kind of, you know, on the same beat of the drum, if you will,” Alejo said.

Families interested in receiving toys can begin signing up starting on Oct. 1 online or by visiting the Salvation Army in Albany. There are no special requirements to register, but families must provide valid identification.

Those interested in donating, becoming a community sponsor or learning more about toy collection locations can visit the website or Facebook page.

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