Staff Photo by Tim Barber Gary McDonough, center, a volunteer Santa, inquires about making a donation to the Toys for Tots campaign on Friday as U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Yluin Nie, right, stands in front of the Toys R Us store at Hamilton Place. Shoppers Martha Nagle, left, and Mary Sue Nagle watch as they leave the store.

The Marine stood in his dress blue uniform outside Toys 'R' Us, greeting shoppers and passers-by.

"Hello. Good morning, ma'am," said U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Yluin Nie.

Staff Sgt. Nie heads the annual toy-collection program for Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion 14th Marines, a Chattanooga-based Marine Reserve unit.

The 62-year program was begun by then-Maj. William Hendricks in Los Angeles who led his local reserve unit to collect toys for area children during the Christmas holiday, according to the Toys for Tots Web site.

The program was adopted in 72 communities the following year and has grown to more than 657 communities throughout all 50 states.

At Toys 'R' Us and Babies 'R' Us stores, Marines will receive money and new toy donations Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas. There are also fundraising events in Cleveland, Tenn., and Chattanooga, Staff Sgt. Nie said.

There is a dart tournament tonight at the Howard Johnson hotel in Cleveland. On Nov. 20, there is a toy drive golf tournament at Valleybrook Country Club, he said.

The United Way handles coordination for many local charities, including Toys for Tots, spokeswoman Kelley Nave said. Toys for Tots is one of a group of charitable partners that United Way works with through its Christmas Clearance program, she said.

Those needing assistance throughout the year may call 211 to speak with operators to determine which programs are best suited for their needs, she said.

Services vary from food and medical assistance to toys or money for utilities.

"We look at resources and see what all are there. Based on the resources we then make a referral," she said.

Toys for Tots numbers 2008

* 16.2 million toys delivered to 7.6 million children

* 657 communities participated

* $73.3 million raised

* 1947 first Toys for Tots event

Source: Toys for Tots Web site