The first annual Toys for Tots Golf Tournament, which was hosted by the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1196 and took place on Oct. 23 at Canongate Sun City Peachtree, was a great success, drawing 92 golfers and raising almost $8,000 for the 2012 Toys for Tots campaign.

According to Toys for Toys Collection Box Coordinator Linda Blevins, the money raised through the golf tournament will go exclusively toward the purchase of toys. All donations will stay within the five counties served by the local Marine Corps League — Spalding, Pike, Upson, Lamar and Butts.

“The need has gotten greater, but the donations have gotten a little lower because of the economy,” Blevins said. “People do what they can. People have been wonderful.”

Each year, the Toys for Tots campaign spends between $6,000 and $10,000 on toys — mainly because locals tend to donate more toys for younger children, which leaves a need for toys suited for older children.

The recent golf tournament and the proceeds from it has the 2012 Toys for Tots campaign, which officially kicks off on Thursday, off to a good start. And Blevins credited Cronic, Chick-fil-A and the Canongate golf club at Sun City Peachtree for their tremendous support.

Blevins also pointed out that Delta Airlines donated two round-trip tickets for Canada and the contiguous United States. Those airline tickets will be raffled off on Dec. 18, and people can purchase one raffle ticket for $10 or three raffle tickets for $20 at Economy Rent A Car on West Taylor Street or by contacting Blevins at 770-227-5966.

People and local businesses should also contact Blevins if they are interested in serving as a drop-off site for a Toys for Tots box, as those collection boxes will be set up on Nov. 5.