The Wood County Toys For Tots Program completed its 2021 campaign by distributing over 3,279 toys to over 1,552 children.  

Toys For Tots is a national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and in Wood County the program is coordinated by the Marine Corps League Lance Corporal Shane L. Goldman Detachment 1278 in Mineola.

The following agencies received support from the Wood County Toys For Tots: Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center in Winnsboro, Mineola Caring & Sharing, Hawkins Helping Hands, Wood County first responders and every law enforcement agency within the county including the Blue Santa program.

League Senior Vice Commandant Michael Jernigan was county coordinator with Wesley Marsh as assistant. 

The Mineola coordinator was Kelly Smith assisted by his son Jason Smith. Winnsboro and Quitman coordination was handled by Steve Lucas and Bobby Ullman. Alba and Golden coordination was handled by Larry Pruitt, and Holly Lake Ranch and Hawkins coordination was handled by Charles Clymer and Al Murfin. 

In addition to donations of money and toys by residents, The East Texas Square and Round Dance Association and the Women’s Service Guild of Holly Lake Ranch solicited donations along with a community pub crawl in Mineola and efforts by the local Walmart.

The local league detachment has been coordinating the program for over 13 years to help provide happiness and hope to less fortunate children during each Christmas holiday season.