The annual Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Toys for Tots drive has ended with approximately 250 toys donated.

Due to the use of an Amazon wishlist this year, NJROTC saw an increase in donations compared to previous years.

“We were pleased with the Amazon wishlist option and received good feedback on having that as an option for donation,” Commander Scott Outlaw said. “We intend to use it again next year and hope we can collect even more toys.”

Now that all the donations have been collected, they will be shipped to a facility in San Antonio and distributed to children in the community.

“We [are] very happy with the turnout and very thankful to all who donated,” Outlaw said. “It will make a young child’s Christmas that much better.”

Students who donated to the drive see the importance of giving back during the holidays.

“[Toys for Tots] ensures that every kid has an opportunity to experience the joy of receiving a gift for the holidays,” senior Truman Davis said.

Along with people who donated, NJROTC sees this drive as a way for students to give back to their community.

“Toys for Tots is the community giving back to those who are less fortunate and whose parents don’t really have money to give them toys for Christmas,” senior Commander Nia Hoppstaedter said.