YAKIMA -- The annual Toys for Tots campaign kicked off Friday in Yakima, with organizers taking donations and applications through Nov. 17.

This is the 63rd annual collection for needy children by the Marine Corps Reserve.

The campaign launched Friday at the Toys "R" Us store, 1401 E. Washington Ave. in Union Gap.

Toys "R" Us is one of the largest national sponsors, donating cash to each group coordinating a local toy drive, said 1st Sgt. Michael Pullom of the Yakima-based Bravo Company, 4th Tank Battalion.

Last year's Yakima drive resulted in about 15,000 toys, which were distributed to about 13,000 children, Pullom said.

He's hoping to double the numbers of toys collected this year, to allow kids to receive more than one toy.

Families requesting toys or those wanting to donate may contact the Salvation Army at 509-453-3139.

Toys will be distributed between Dec. 2 and Dec. 22.