Several north Fulton cities and businesses will be collecting unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, a program by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to distribute gifts to less fortunate children in communities across the country.

The goal of the Toys for Tots program is to “to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders,” according to its website.

In Johns Creek, the program will be accepting toys from now until Dec. 14 at city hall, Park Place and all three fire stations.

Usually the city starts this program with Founders Week at the end of November, but this year Toys for Tots started at the beginning of this month.

“With the economy still struggling, many families are cutting back on their gifts,” Johns Creek Fire Marshal Chad McGiboney, who is spearheading the program for the city, said in a statement.

“We’re hoping that by giving people more opportunity to bring toys, we’ll see more happy kids on Christmas Day.”

In the city of Alpharetta, the Recreation and Parks Department will collect unwrapped toy donations for Toys for Tots from Dec. 2 to Dec. 10 in the lobby of the Community Center at 175 Roswell Street in Alpharetta.

At the Taylor Kinzel Gallery at 16 Elizabeth Way in Roswell a toy will not only benefit a child this holiday season but it will also grant the giver a chance to win original artwork.

On Dec. 1 from 1 to 5 p.m., glass artisans will be at the gallery for the 9th Annual Glass Show/Toys for Tots Fundraiser.

The show will feature fine glass sculptures as well as functional pieces by Robert Burch, Brenda Griffith, Houston Llew, Licha Nicholson, and Pam Smith.

For every unwrapped toy or $10 donation gallery-viewers will receive a raffle ticket to win an original glasswork by each artist.

The event will also feature refreshments and music.