Marine Corps League Detachment #1439 celebrated its third year collecting for the Toys for Tots Toy Drive by tripling donations from the previous year.

Drive chairman Dave Nelson, senior vice commandant, said 28 filled boxes were donated, of which 18 came from town businesses. In the first year, eight boxes of toys, stuffed animals and books were collected.

Nelson attributed the success to Friends in the Hills joining the campaign this year, and numerous volunteers and businesses. Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies and Fountain Hills firefighters also increased their involvement, he said.

Neighbors in the La Vida Buena community built a gingerbread house to showcase the collection boxes.

Debbie Yin, an associate member of the league, specifically thanked the following businesses: Phil’s Filling Station, Safeway, Sonoran Lifestyle Real Estate, Paul’s ACE Hardware, Tractor Supply, Desert Canyon Golf Club, Keller Williams Real Estate, Desert Dawg, Senor Taco, Bashas, American Legion Post 58, Tap House, Cards of Fountain Hills and Raymond James.

To learn more about the program, visit toysfortots.org. Nelson can be contacted at dnelly@cox.net.