Although the calendar may say October, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at many Federated Auto Parts stores. Several Federated members have already begun collecting toys and donations, as well as holding special events, on behalf of the 2013 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign.

“We are thrilled that so many Federated members are participating in the Toys for Tots campaign. What is really impressive is their commitment throughout the year to this worthy cause,” said Mike Schultz of Federated Auto Parts. “Our members and their customers already started collecting toys and donations for the coming holiday season, and we know that 2013 will be even more successful than we could have imagined.”

Earlier this year, Federated members and suppliers raised $135,000 for Toys for Tots during the annual Federated Toys for Tots auction held during the group’s annual awards dinner. Additional funds were raised at hospitality events held at the recent Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Richmond. The donations will be presented to retired Marine Lieutenant General Pete Osman, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, on Nov. 5 during at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.

Several Federated members have already begun special Toys for Tots promotional programs. For example, United Auto Supply of La Crosse, Wis. ran “Toys for Tots Tuesdays” in conjunction with the La Crosse Loggers baseball team, and Hovis Auto and Truck Supply of Mercer, Pa., held the first-ever “Toys for Tots Fall Motorcycle and Car Cruise-In” on Oct. 3.

Participating Federated Auto Parts stores will accept toy donations at their locations. Financial contributions can also be made at www.federatedautoparts.com/ToysforTots.aspx, which links directly to the Toys for Tots website. Donors can use their credit card securely to make a monetary donation or print out a form and mail it in with a check made out to Toys for Tots.

About Toys for Tots
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 66th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season.  For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.