For the ninth year in a row, the Bedford Police Department will be sponsoring its Toys for Tots drive throughout the holiday season.

The Toys for Tots program is run through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Its mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Patricia Naimo, Bedford police communications supervisor, heads the fundraiser in Bedford each year and is excited for another season of giving.

“It is really great to see individuals, businesses, schools, all come together and donate to a good cause,” she said.

The deadline to drop off toys has not been set yet, but is usually about five days before Christmas to give the organization time to pick up all the toys and get them ready for distribution, said Naimo.

Toys can be dropped off 24 hours a day.

The drop-off area for toys is at the Communications Center at the Bedford Safety Complex, 55 Constitution Drive, Bedford.

Toys donated in Bedford will benefit children across New Hampshire, Naimo said. There is often a need for toys for older kids as well.

“Often people buy toys for small children, which is great, but sometimes there is a need for teenager-type toys,” she said.

Toys that have been donated in the past include sports equipment, stuffed animals, toy cars and trucks, a make-up and mirror set, among others, she said.

According to Naimo, last year’s fundraiser was one of the most successful for Bedford, collecting more than 700 toys.

“We hope to get as many this year as we can,” she said.

Naimo commends to one Bedford group that always makes an effort to donate.

“The kitchen workers at McKelvie are incredible every year,” she said, “They all go out together one night and pick up dozens of toys.”

Knowing that kids have a great Christmas and get the toys they want is the best part of it, Naimo said.

If you have any questions, contact Naimo at the Bedford Police Department at 472-5113.