Christmas time is a season for giving, especially giving to thosewho are less fortunate. The San Diego State University community hasa chance to join in with the Toys for Tots program.

“What better way could I spend three weeks out of the year makingtoys available to children at Christmas time,” said Carl Benton,professor of Emeritus at SDSU and retired Lt. Col. of the USMCReserves.

The United States Marine Corps Reserve has been providing toys forunderprivileged children every December since 1947 through anationwide Toys for Tots project.

SDSU has been involved with this program since its inception andis continuing its involvement this year by placing 10 boxes atvarious locations, such as Aztec Recreation Center, Aztec Center andthe east entrance of the Student Services building.

All toys must be unwrapped and new. They can be deposited in oneof the boxes from Dec. 6 through Dec. 17.

Last year, the Marines collected and distributed more than 200,000toys nationwide to needy children.

It is estimated that SDSU will collect 3,000 toys. In 1998, SDSUwas expected to collect 3,000 toys, but only received 1,000.

“I don’t think (our goal) is so high of a number,” Benton said.”We’re trying to be realistic with the amount of staff, students andfaculty. The goal shouldn’t be that great with the amount of peopleon campus.”

Since the project was established, the U.S. Marines have collected250 million toys for needy children.

Last year, 43,280 toys were collected in San Diego County.Nationwide, 11.8 million toys were collected.

At the end of the day all boxes will be picked up by UniversityPolice and stored in Peterson Gym until Dec. 18.

Capt. Ryan Paterson of the USMC and coordinator for San DiegoCounty Toys for Tots, said he is a part of this project because ofthe kids.

“I love kids and I wanted to take this project under my wings,” hesaid.

This year, the children will receive three items instead of two.