Green Country Couple Continues Toys For Tots Tradition

With many folks still out of work, this Christmas may be a lean one for many Green Country families.

The Marine's Toys for tots drive aims to make sure every needy child has a little something under the tree. But a slumping economy has demand up, but donations down.

One Green Country couple is trying to help some of Oklahoma's own have a brighter holiday.

The Johnsons started out ten years ago with about 7,000 lights on their house. Now they have 60,000 wrapped around the entire home.

They're not just full of the holiday spirit; they're shining a light on one of their favorite charities.

As the sun starts to set, their nightly holiday ritual begins. Trucks are moved, inflatable's go up, Santas are positioned, and with the flip of a switch, the season comes alive right before your eyes.

"We had so much traffic coming by the house, my husband was like ‘I wonder what charity we could benefit,'" said Roberta Johnson.

The couple decided on the Marine Corps' toys for tots. And their home is one of just a few residential drops for the toy drive.

"We didn't realize until we got into this just how many don't get a toy for Christmas. And the families are just so appreciative," Johnson said.

Their Christmas spirit is contagious. Some of their neighbors are now joining in with their own elaborate displays and volunteering for the cause.

Last year, they collected more than 2,400 toys. But this year, the window to collect toys is shorter, and the Johnson's say the donations are falling behind.

"If everyone would give back a little, the world would be so much better," Johnson said.

You have ten days left to drop off toys at the Johnson's or any Toys for Tots location. The Johnsons say their lights will be up until New Year's Eve.

Click Here for a list of drop off locations.