Christmas wishes will soon be granted for over 450 boys andgirls in the Brookhaven area with the help of local residents whodonate to Brookhaven Toys for Tots.

“We’ve had some good results this year, but we still needwhatever donations we can get,” said Moses Bell, Toys for Totschairman.

This year’s Toys for Tots list has 484 needy children on it,which is almost double what it was last year.

Therefore, it will take more people working together to helpbring cheer to the youngsters this Christmas, Bell said. Theorganization has been pleased by the overwhelming response so farfrom local schools, churches, businesses and individuals, hesaid.

“There’s a lot of people working hand-in-hand with me,” hesaid.

Some businesses have had specials to promote the cause, and twolocal radio stations are giving away a trip to Florida to thelistener who collects the most toys. The response to the specialshas been good, said Bell, and he hopes the success continues as thetime draws nearer.

“We’ve checked several collection places in the last day or so,and all the boxes are just about full,” said Bell, pointing out howtoys and other donated items can be placed in designated boxes atlocal schools, churches, banks and several other businesses untilDec. 21.

Toys for Tots has received quite a few monetary contributions,which will be used to buy toys and other items for thechildren.

For the past 14 years, Bell has attempted to make sure eachchild deemed needy gets a sufficient number of gifts. He hopes afew more items will be collected before the gifts are distributedon Dec. 23. An upcoming event may help boost the number ofdonations.

A Holiday Happening has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Dec. 19,at Brookhaven Elementary’s auditorium. The event will feature musicfrom the Brookhaven High School Choir, Bart and Carrie Latner, ZionMinistries Midnight Cry, Lincoln County Mass Choir, First BaptistChurch Handbells and the Beesons. Admission will cost $5 or thedonation of a new toy at the door.

“The proceeds will be for given to Toys for Tots,” said MarthaMorgan, who along with Tammy Jones, has organized the musicalevent.

Anyone wishing to make donations or find out more informationabout Brookhaven Toys for Tots, can call Bell at 833-7417.