Holidays are upon us and there are still countless kids who will go without this season. But not too many of them will be in the local area, thanks to a recent collection.

Since 1947, Toys for Tots has been one of the most recognizable charities and the charitable organization made a special stop in Oakdale this past week. Master Gunnery Sergeant Ray Bael and the crew from the Oak Summit Masonic Lodge No. 112 of Knights Ferry collected nearly 300 toys, blankets, jackets, bicycles and stuffed animals for local kids this holiday season. The United States Marine Corps Reserves filled up eight big barrels in Oakdale and over a dozen boxes during their collection in the region. The toys and other goods will be distributed to those in need from Oakdale, Riverbank, Waterford, Knights Ferry and Valley Home.