A band of Moniteau County volunteers traveled to Toys-R-Us in Columbia one early morning to select $2,000-worth of toys from the freshly-stocked shelves before the store opened.
The toy store corporation provides $2,000 in store credit to each county in the nation, which has a U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
"Toys For Tots is a wonderful organization, and it was a true pleasure volunteering for this cause. Not every child in our county is blessed materially, and it gives a person a good feeling, to know that you can give back and help the children," said volunteer Ann Perry.
"We shopped for children of all age groups, and tried to find toys for children with different interests."
This is the first year Moniteau County has benefited from the store's gift, as it is in the midst of its first year for a toy collection drive.
Rep. Sara Walsh led the shopping spree.
"When I heard Dan Mesey speak at the California Area Chamber of Commerce about his heartfelt efforts to start up Toys for Tots in Moniteau County, I immediately felt compelled to help," she said. "Dan and Carol Mesey have big hearts for our community, and for children.
"It was an honor joining them, along with several individuals who volunteered to help shop for toys. As we shopped, we envisioned the bright-eyed children who will receive the toys.
"Such a great feeling to play a small role in helping kick off Toys for Tots in Moniteau County this Christmas."
The store-bought toys join other donated toys and toys purchased at low-cost from partner-retailers.
The Toys for Tots program has reached out to Moniteau County schools hoping to spread awareness about the program to families in need so they can get registered. About 160 families have responded, so far, Mesey said.
And the new collection will partner with the Central Missouri Community Action's Angel Tree to help another 150 children.
"My goal is to give each kid two toys, but if I could give them each five, that would tickle me to death," Mesey said.
California, Jamestown and High Point have responded with enthusiasm, including nearly 40 volunteers, he said.
What the Toys for Tots program needs now is money to buy more toys, he said.
The Moniteau County collection received a boost of $500 Nov. 22 from the California Eagles Aerie 4027.
In the future, Trustee Melvin Butler said he hopes the Eagles can host specific fundraising activities to support the Moniteau County Toys for Tots.
"We're glad to do it," Butler said. "It's awesome; we're all about helping kids."