Northwest Indiana area Edward Jones financial advisors have joined together to support the local Toys for Tots program by using their offices as drop-off locations for this year's U.S. Marine Reserves toy drive.

Local residents may help needy children in the area by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to any Edward Jones office in Crown Point, Munster, Highland, Hammond, Hobart and St. John during regular business hours now through Dec. 17.

"With the holiday season around the corner, we are all getting ready for the festivities," local Financial Advisor Michael Dexter said. "And as this is the season of giving, now is a great time to remember the less fortunate in our community."

Toys for Toys provides gifts for children of needy families identified by township trustees and other local service agencies. Parents are invited to stop by a local distribution center, where U.S. Marine Reserves, or in some cases Marine Corps League members, deliver and sort toys by age and type to make the selection process easier for families. Parents can then take the gift home and wrap it and place it under their tree for Christmas morning.

- The Times