An annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve fundraiser supporting Toys for Tots is coming up.
Each Halloween, the organization hosts a daylong event that culminates in Trunk or Treat at Capital Mall - a way to provide treats for children and dollars the organization uses to buy thousands of toys for needy children.
Harold Faughn, the Cole County coordinator for Toys for Tots, said the event begins with breakfast at 6 a.m. at Hy-Vee, 3721 W. Truman Blvd. All day long on Oct. 31, Hy-Vee is donating 30 percent of qualified food court purchases to Toys for Tots.
But the toy campaign and the real celebration kick off at 11 a.m., when the first of four musical performers begins entertaining at Hy-Vee.
Also at 11 a.m., local lawmakers are to participate in the kickoff event.
Bennie Kempker is to perform from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
David Baker is to perform from 6-6:30 p.m., Nicole Slauser from 6:30-7 p.m., and Sweet Adelines from 7-7:30 p.m. All performances are free of charge.
And, there is to be Trunk or Treat, which happens from 6-8 p.m.
Hy-Vee and Wendy's have been terrific partners in the annual event, Faughn said.
All the local auto dealerships are bringing pickups this year, Faughn said. Candy is to be provided by Bee Line Snack Shops, Capitol Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Jefferson City Autoplex, Joe Machens Ford, Riley Chevrolet, Scheppers International Truck Center, Steve's Pest Control and the Society for Creative Anachronism.
"Regardless of weather, bring the kids to the mall," Faughn added. "We had 3,000 children come through there last year."
The entire event is aimed at raising money for toys, he said. And those toys are intended for children in Cole County.
"If we are fortunate to have enough toys, we'll help neighboring counties," he said. "We have for the past few years."
Last year, Toys for Tots of Cole County was able to provide toys for more than 1,000 needy children in the county. And, it provided more than 2,800 toys for children in Crawford, Dent, Maries, Miller, Osage and Audrain counties.