The first toys of the Marines' Toys for Tots campaign were collected Friday afternoon in Lansing.
The Board of Water and Light's "Toy Mill" was a busy place for city officials, fans of Christmas, Marines, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus as gifts were collected for the annual giving program.
It happened at noon in downtown Lansing with carols being sang by students from Waverly Community Schools.
The BWL Toy Mill is known as the "backdrop" for the annual Toys for Tots campaign.
"The BWL is pleased once again to help with Toys for Tots during Silver Bells, and encourage donations to benefit local children during the holiday season," said BWL General Manager Dick Peffley. "The toys donated stay local, and it's another example of the BWL giving back to the community we serve."
Marines will be at the location from noon until 9 p.m. on Friday to collect gifts.
Toys can also be dropped off at other downtown locations during the Electric Light Parade, which is from 5-9 p.m., at the downtown Capital Area District Library and Troppo.
