It’s a holiday tradition. As he does every year, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) is collecting new toys at his community office, 155 Kings Highway, for distribution through Toys for Tots as well as through local organizations to brighten the holiday season for children in need.

The Toys for Tots collection box is already set up in his office, and will remain there until December 20.

“It’s so important to spread the love during the holiday season,” said Assemblyman Colton. “Those of us who can afford to widen our gift-giving to deserving children who might otherwise not get toys for the holiday feel so much joy in return. I am delighted to join with Toys for Tots and our worthy neighborhood partners in helping to disseminate the spirit of the season.”

Toys for Tots is an initiative of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that began in 1947; in 1991, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was started as a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. Since its inception, over 677 million toys have been distributed to 301 million children.