Events kick off for Toys for Tots

Douglas County’s Toys for Tots program kicks off this Saturday, with collections intended to go to needy children at Christmastime.

¢ Saturday through Dec. 24: Start the engines of the Toys For Tots Train. A fundraiser and toy collection will take place at both Hy-Vee Food & Drug stores, 3504 Clinton Parkway and 4000 W. Sixth St.

¢ Douglas County Bank is accepting toys and cash donations through Dec. 22. Locations are at the Downtown Bank, Ninth and Kentucky streets; Malls Bank, 23rd and Louisiana streets; S. Iowa Bank, 31st and Iowa streets; Orchards Bank, Kasold Drive and Bob Billings Parkway; the West Sixth Street Bank, Sixth Street and Folks Road; and the Eudora Branch, 1402 Church St. in the C & S Market.

¢ Dec. 9: Drive for 500 toy drive, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Dole Institute of Politics, Kansas University’s west campus. There will be children’s activities, a silent auction, free food, music and Santa. Toys or cash donations are accepted.

¢ Beauty Brands Salon, Spa, and Superstore of Lawrence, 3514 Clinton Parkway, is offering a discount of 10 percent for any salon or spa service to those who bring in a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.