With the way prices are these days, money is tight for families. This holiday season, there will once again be many needy children in the area. Valu Home Center is teaming up with the Salvation Army for the second year to host a toy drive. Recently begun, the drive will be held until Dec. 7.

Toys are already beginning to fill up the donation box, which is located by the Christmas tree near the East Main Street store’s entrance.

“The employees are getting excited to see that people are already dropping off donations,” said Andy Thomson, assistant manager. “Right now I am looking at some Nerf footballs, a little doctor kit and something that looks like Easter eggs in the box.”

Thomson and others hope that this year’s donations will exceed the previous year’s.

“Last year we filled up the box multiple times, which was amazing to see,” said Thomson.

He recalled that last year there were donors who dropped off whole shopping carts full of toys at once.

“Multiple people came in with whole trash bags full of new toys that they donated,” said Thomson.

The donated toys will be collected and distributed by the Salvation Army. All different kinds of toys are needed this year, for a variety of ages.

“We need all kinds of toys for kids from 2 to adult I would say,” said Thomson. “Basically something for anyone who needs a gift.”

Those who want to donate should drop off new, unwrapped toys still in the box.

The outpouring of generosity was wonderful to see last year, Thomson said.

“There is a lot of need in this community but people here come together to take care of one another.”