Local retailers in Fuquay-Varina have made the speedy transition from Halloween to Christmas in their stores and while some shoppers don’t want to be rushed into the season, there is one welcome addition. Participating businesses received their collection bins for the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program late last week. The program collects new, unwrapped toys to distribute as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. In 2011, the U.S. Marine Corps distributed 15.6 million gifts to 7.2 million less fortunate children across the country.

While the Toys for Tots program does not publish a list of toys to donate, they do offer suggestions for the pre-teen/teen recipient. Those suggestions include sporting equipment/bags/balls; books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars/trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners and hair dryers.

You also may visit the Toys“R”Us website specific to the Toys for Tots campaign, as they are a major sponsor (Toysrus.com/ToysforTots).

The Second Look will take collections this Friday and Saturday. They are located at 1029 Crystalwater Drive. The Sweepstakes Club at 1364 North Main St. also will take donations between Thursday and Friday.

Please check with individual businesses for store hours.