Brookside Elementary School students and staff have been collecting toys to help make the holidays a little brighter for Yorktown families who might not be able to afford a gift for their children this season. 

They were greeted by a Marine on Friday who picked up close to 600 toys for Toys for Tots. 

Third-grade teacher Lisa Santosusso, co-organizer of the school-wide event along with Sharon DeBrino, said she had explained to her students that by donating a gift, they would be able to help children in their own town. 

"The children became aware that this is something that happens in our own area," she said. "And there are families who can't afford to buy gifts for their children during the holiday season. Even a small gift could make a huge difference and bring a smile to a child's face."

Sarah Sachs, a third-grader, said she brought an Ariel Barbie doll and was happy to have the opportunity to donate a gift and meet a Marine, which she called "kind of cool."

The new, unwrapped toys will be distributed locally to St. Mary's, the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown and the Yorktown Head Start program.  

Lance Corporal Robert Kaplan, a 2004 Lakeland High School graduate, said it was nice to know the toys will be going toward area families.

"It's a good feeling," he said. "It's nice to help out in the community and see how kids are getting involved. Some of these kids might be more privileges than others."

Al Laughlin, a former Marine and the Yorktown coordinator for Toys for Tots, said there are 26 locations in Yorktown where people could drop off toys as part of the program. He has been involved for the last seven years and each year the number of families in need increases, he said. 

"This doesn't look the area, but there is a lot of people who are in trouble right now," Laughlin said.