ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Since 1941, Toys for Tots has made Christmas special for over 314 million children. That tradition of service continues in Albany with over 6,000 children expected to receive toys this year, according to Marines First Sergeant Paul Alejo Jr.

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, Marines from the Marine Corps Logistics Base collected toys from Georgia’s Own Credit Union. This year, Georgia’s Own donated $10,000 worth of toys statewide. The Albany branch donated $2,500 of that $10,000. Two carloads of toys were collected to be given back to children in need in the community.

Georgia’s Own Public Relations Manager Brianne Heape said this is an “opportunity where we can give back to the community.”

For Alejo, the mission holds personal significance.

“Personally, I see the struggles in Albany, Georgia. The surrounding areas remind me of my hometown, so to me, it’s like I’m giving back to my own people that I came from,” Alejo said. “It’s a heartwarming sensation to be able to give back to the community.”

In total, Alejo said roughly 6,000 children were approved for toys in the Albany area. An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 toys will be given out to those Albany area children this season.

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