A FUNDRAISER FOR the 77th-annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots toy drive will take place locally from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Sol Blu Lounge in downtown Iron Mountain. The second local Toys for Tots fundraiser in 2023 generated almost $10,000. Standing with some of the contributions in the 2023 drive are, from left, Toys for Tots coordinator Cathy Mitchell; Corey Formolo, event volunteer; Dustin Dixon, event organizer; and Emily Poisson, Sol Blu manager and event organizer. All the toys and donations raised will stay in the local area. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News file photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The 77th-annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign is in full gear, with collection boxes placed at area businesses for those wishing to donate toys.

The community is invited to help support the annual toy drive fundraiser from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Sol Blu in Iron Mountain.

Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to help fill the boxes and contribute a minimum $5 donation.

Organizers hope to surpass last year’s donations of $10,000, along with the many toys that were donated.

Event coordinators Dustin Dixon and Emily Poisson encourage everyone to come together to help make a difference for those less fortunate and make this holiday season magical.

They will feature raffles and silent auctions, snacks and drink specials.

“We had such a wonderful year last year, with so many gracious donations, that I’m hoping that this year we will surpass it,” said Toys for Tots coordinator Cathy Mitchell, noting the program services Dickinson County and the surrounding areas, including Niagara, Aurora and Florence in Wisconsin.

Any business owner who would like to host a drop box in their store can contact Mitchell at 906-239-6832.