Though fall has made its way into Oxford, local and national organizations have already begun getting ready for Christmas to make sure no child is left without something special under the tree.

Toys for Tots is a national organization, but each year the local toy drive is organized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve with the help of local volunteers.

The national program receives donations every year from large corporations and distributes promotional material to the local non-profit organizations that work with their communities.

Residents can begin submitting applications for the upcoming Christmas season online by visiting http://oxford-ms.toysfortots.org. The deadline to submit applications isNov. 15.

“In 2017, the Oxford Toys for Tots campaign delivered Christmas toys to over 875 children – including foster children,” the organization said in a news release.

Businesses can also join the effort to collect toys by requesting a toy collection box be dropped off at their business. Those requests must be made via the Toys for Tots website.

Those who wish to donate toys can visit any of the toy collection boxes around town. Individuals may also donate money online via the Oxford Toys for Tots website, the money will be used to purchase toys for the drive.

Oxford Toys for Toys donates toys for children from birth to 17 years old. Applicants must be on some type of government assistance such as SNAP, WIC, CHIPS, Medicaid, etc.

“Upon approval, each child will receive a small, medium and large toy, along with stocking stuffers,” the press release said.

Emails will be sent to recipients to instruct them on when and where to collect toys.

All toy donations must be new and unwrapped, and the Oxford Toys for Tots campaign asks that new batteries be included for toys that require them.

“Donations including books and stocking stuffers are also appreciated,” the press release said.

Oxford Toys for Toys serves Lafayette, Panola, Pontotoc Union and Yalobusha counties.

For more information on Oxford Toys for Tots, email local coordinator Reggie McClain and assistant coordinator Gene Hays at oxford.toysfortots@yahoo.com.