Santa's Toy Box collection effort kicked off Friday with a day-long effort in front of Mast General Store in downtown Boone.  Hopes for a successful effort were raised with the generosity of folks who stopped by and gave new toys or money.

High Country Radio broadcast live from King Street all day, and folks responded, filling the floor of the Boone Ford Transit van and giving some $1400 in monetary donations--around $500 more than last year. 

The effort continues until volunteers open the Santa's Toy Box distribution center on George Wilson road to give away the toys.  Gene Swift, of Southern States Subaru, who heads the effort, says that over 800 Watauga children were given toys last year, and he expects to need toys for 1000or more local children in the current economy. 

The effort was started 23 years ago by the men's group of Deerfield Methodist, and continues on with the help of area churches, civic clubs, businesses and other volunteers.  Cash dontations are taken by volunteers to area stores who make deep discounts on toys to help the effort.