AUSTINTOWN Community members are invited to join in on the kickoff event for the "Army of Toys" drive that includes several locations of The Salvation Army in the Mahoning Valley.

The toy drive aims to provide Valley children with a toy for Christmas when they may not have received one.

"We appreciate every individual, business and organization who helped us collect well over 20,000 toys in 2024," said Major Paul Moore of the Salvation Army.

In 2025, organizers are hoping to gather 20,000 toys with the aim of distributing them to over 2,000 families.

The kickoff festivities take place on Saturday, November 8, from noon to 10 p.m.

Two businesses are hosting Valley bands as part of the kickoff event.

Santa will be arriving by helicopter at 2 p.m.

Quaker Steak and Lube, located at 58

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