Midwest Wireless has been donating toys for those less fortunate for the past 11 years. The Austin Midwest Wireless branch has been part of the gathering of toys for this annual Christmas collection the last four years.

Judy Bjorgo, who works for Midwest Wireless is in charge of this annual Christmas collection called Toys for Tots.

"The response this year has been wonderful. People are very generous when it comes to little children and toys," said Bjorgo.

The Toys for Tots collection runs from October 23 through December 31. The public dropped off toys at the Midwest Wireless store. The toys were displayed at the store so the public could see the collection grow.

The toys that are donated are usually brought in unwrapped. If a toy is wrapped, it is unwrapped to see what age or gender the toy is appropriate for.

The toys were donated to the Salvation Army

on Wednesday, December 18.

The Salvation Army will be distributing gift wrapped toys to those children that would otherwise not receive a gift.

Any toys that are donated after Christmas are held over for the next holiday season, unless an emergency arises, "which unfortunately often happens," said Major Douglas Yeck, of The Salvation Army.

"Besides toys we get donations of money. We do very well with donations," said Judy Bjorgo.

Midwest Wireless does massive advertising to get the word out to the public to set aside time and money for this cause. Bjorgo loves seeing all the toys come in each year.

"I play with all the toys that come in," she said smiling.

Sheila Donnelly can be reached at 434-2233 or by e-mail at newsroom@austindailyherald.com