The 2012 Toys for Tots drive, which will give out thousands of toys to Haralson County children to ensure they have a merry Christmas, is entering the back stretch and headed for the finish line, according to coordinator Curtis Eidson of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

“Applications for assistance were due to be turned in to the Tallapoosa City Hall by 5 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 7,” said Toys for Tots coordinator Curtis Eidson. “After Friday, applications may be made at the Callaway Livestock Pavilion (4-H Barn) on Macedonia Church Road in Buchanan on Thursday or Friday, Dec. 13 or 14.

“We still need about 2,000 new unwrapped toys to fill the current number of applications for assistance,” said Eidson. In an effort to help fill this need, Bremen First Baptist Church held a gospel concert featuring The Diplomats and other groups on Thursday, Dec. 6, asking event-goers to bring a toy as their cost of admission.

“Also, this Saturday, Dec. 8, Rocky Branch Railroad Christmas Cowboy Festival will be accepting toys, as well as Bremen Walmart, hosted by volunteers form Bremen High School. Dec. 15 will be the final Walmart collection, hosted by volunteers from Waco.”

Eidson said several groups will be packing and sorting toys by age and gender on Monday, Dec. 10, at the Callaway Pavilion.

“We welcome additional volunteers to help us, by just showing up at the pavilion Monday, or they may call me at 770-262-1535 for more information.”

Eidson said the toy distribution will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Pavilion beginning Thursday, Dec. 13. Distribution will be made alphabetically by last name of the parents (not the child) as follows:

Dec. 13: A-E

Dec. 14: F-J

Dec. 17: K-O

Dec. 18: P-T

Dec. 19: U-Z

Dec. 20: Walk-ins