EATON — The Kids for Kids toy drive, hosted annually by The Register-Herald, collected over 700 toys during the event held at Fort St. Clair on Saturday, Dec. 5.

All toys collected were donated to the Preble County Christmas for Kids charity.

Children who came to the event on Saturday were able to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, color a picture, write a letter to Santa, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.

It also served as an opportunity for the children to learn about the giving spirit of the holiday season.

“We thought they were old enough to learn about donating to kids who need it,” said Jason Couvutsakis, who brought his family to the event.

His wife, Jessica, added that their young children were happy to share in the Christmas joy.

“They were excited to give toys and help pick them out and give them to Santa,” she said.

Leslie Collins, general manager of The Register-Herald, thanks Brian and Missy Jones’ family and friends for their always-generous donations, the New Paris Kiwanis, and to the many families and individuals who dropped off toys before Saturday’s event.

“Thanks also to the children who helped out by bringing a toy to Santa and Mrs. Claus at the cabin – they are all on the ‘nice’ list I am sure,” she said.

“We couldn’t do this without Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the generosity of the City of Eaton and Whispering Christmas Committee. I want to thank everyone involved in making the cabin the perfect location for a toy drive. I also want to thank The Greenbriar for their donation of goodie bags for each child.”

Collins also thanks the HIT Foundation’s Allison Pieratt and Marathon’s Billie Wood, along with the staff members of The Register-Herald.

“They’re all awesome and helped make a difference in a lot of children’s lives by giving their time for the Kids for Kids event.”

All toys raised were picked up and delivered to Grace Lutheran Church by Eaton Boy Scout Troop 78.

“The Boy Scouts have helped deliver the toys the past several years, and we thank them for taking the time to help out on their Saturday afternoon,” Collins added.

A boy sits on Santa’s lap during the Kids for Kids event held at Fort St. Clair, where children brought a toy to donate to charity and got to meet The Clauses, color a picture, and eat cookies on Saturday, Dec. 5.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2015/12/web1_DSC_0247.jpgA boy sits on Santa’s lap during the Kids for Kids event held at Fort St. Clair, where children brought a toy to donate to charity and got to meet The Clauses, color a picture, and eat cookies on Saturday, Dec. 5. Jeremy Erskine | The Register-Herald

An eager boy writes a letter to Santa during the annual Kids for Kids event held at Fort St. Clair on Saturday, Dec. 5.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2015/12/web1_DSC_0338.jpgAn eager boy writes a letter to Santa during the annual Kids for Kids event held at Fort St. Clair on Saturday, Dec. 5. Jeremy Erskine | The Register-Herald