Yes, there are only 19 shopping days until Christmas.

But, more importantly, there are only 10 days remaining in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Donors are asked to place new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes located throughout the community. The toys, accumulated through Dec. 15, are then routed through a regional collection center before being returned to Beaufort County and distributed to parents with needy children, according to Beaufort County’s Toys for Tots volunteer coordinator Rich Morin.

Surplus toys are distributed to neighboring counties that are in need.

It is important to note that toys collected in Beaufort County are returned to Beaufort County. In the past, some have been reluctant to give believing that their donation were sent elsewhere.

“What we collect in Beaufort County will satisfy the kids in Beaufort County,” Morin said.

We are well aware of the financial difficulties facing our family, friends and neighbors. Some have trouble putting food on the table, much less a present under the tree.

Nothing is more rewarding than providing a Christmas gift for a child who, through no fault of his own, may go without.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get on Santa’s “nice” list by donating to Toys for Tots before it’s too late.