Toys for Tots, Project D.E.F.T.

Provided.

Autumn has arrived! That means it's time for our Toys for Tots drive. This has long been an annual tradition for our local Farmers Insurance office. The Tehachapi community is literally in our blood. Our office is completely staffed by long-time locals to help our community, the one we live in, to be the best it can be.

It always amazes me how Tehachapi pulls together at this time of year and donates so much for our local kids. Over the years we have collected thousands of toys that stay right here in our community, putting smiles on our children's faces.

Here are some things to remember when purchasing your donations.

• NEW and unwrapped items only.

• Age range should be 4 to16 years.

• Toys, games, educational, crafts, school supplies, coats, etc., are all acceptable.

• Several drop-off locations: Farmers Insurance, Tehachapi City Hall, Tehachapi Police Department, Tehachapi Martial Arts Center, Country Real Estate, Edward Jones locations (Valley Blvd. and Robinson St.)

• Last day to drop off items for all locations is Dec. 6. (We still accept toys all year round.)

• Toys will be delivered to the children starting the week of Dec. 9.

• We will be having a prize drawing at Farmers Insurance only. One ticket will be given for each new and unwrapped toy. Prizes include: movie tickets, night on the town (dinner gift card/ice cream gift card), road safety kit and some great prizes.

This is a program for getting Christmas cards to our veterans that are in the hospital during the season. We will be collecting cards until Dec. 6. Be sure to pay attention to the very strict rules placed on the program by the V.A.

• You may write a special "Thank you for your service" or a positive happy message.

• Nothing political, religious and no personal information other than a first name. No last names.

• NO glitter anywhere on the card.

• DO NOT SEAL the envelope or put a stamp on it.

You should also know that we will take cards all year round for next year.