Toy platoon ensures gifts for families of enlisted

In 2008, Dollar Tree partnered with Operation Homefront and collected $5.8 million in toys that were distributed at U.S. military bases stateside in time for the holidays. That's a whole heap of Christmas cheer!

This year, Dollar Tree is hoping to repeat that success with the help of its customers. In fact, according to the Operation Homefront Web site, the goal this year is to collect $6 million in toys.

And why not? You don't have to spend a lot to make a kid happy and if everyone who could, donated a $5 or $10 toy, this goal could be met and then some.

The 2009 toy drive runs Nov. 15-Dec. 15. All you do is purchase a toy or care item and drop it off in a Toy Platoon collection box located in any of Dollar Tree's 3,700 stores nationwide. Operation Homefront will then collect and distribute these items to needy military families in your area.