Cambridge collecting Toys for Tots

Cambridge Homes is providing Toys for Tots collection boxes through Dec. 14 at all Cambridge sales offices, as well as the company's design center in Elgin.

The public is asked to donate items for needy children. All toys need to be new and not wrapped so they can be matched to individual children by age and gender.

The U.S. Marine Corps, which sponsors the Toys for Tots program, will arrange to have the toys delivered in time for Christmas.

Directions to Cambridge's current sales offices and design center can be obtained at www. mycambridgehome.com.

The Toys for Tots program started in Los Angeles in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks and members of his Marine Corps Reserve unit collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The program was so successful that the Marine Corps expanded it nationwide.

The 2006 Toys for Tots campaign was the most successful ever. More than 19.2 million toys were distributed to 7.6 million underprivileged children.