Kid’s Zone Dentistry presented a $500 check to Jeff Duffy and Al Yates of the Marine Corps League Wednesday morning to be used toward Toys for Tots this holiday season. 

The mission of the Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys to distribute to less fortunate children during the Christmas season. 

Kid’s Zone has traditionally pinpointed individual families in past years to provide assistance to during the holiday season, however this year made the decision to partner with Toys for Tots. Employees sold cookies and hot chocolate during this years’ LaGrange Christmas parade, and the practice matched the funds that were brought in through that effort, resulting in the $500 amount. 

“There are so many awesome charities, but the parade focused on Toys for Tots, we just piggy-backed off that idea,” said Tonya Wheelus, clinical director for Kids Zone Dentistry. 

“Every year we identify several families within our patient pool who need help, throughout the year we take down the names of kids who touch our hearts and try to make Christmas brighter for them. We’ve been doing that for years behind the scenes.”

The 42nd annual Christmas Parade, which took place in November and was sponsored by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, partnered with Toys for Tots. 

All parade participants were asked to donate toys as part of the registration process.