The toy drives for Brown County Toys for Kids are hitting the home stretch, as on Wednesday KOXE/KBWD and Wendlee Broadcasting held their annual collection events which netted more than 1,000 toys and $13,000 in cash donations.

A total of 864 toys and $8,644.94 was donated at the Two-Steppin’ for Toys event hosted by KOXE. Meanwhile, Wendlee’s event generated more than $4,800 in cash and a trailer load of toys that were delivered to Grand Starz, home of the Toys for Kids for program.

“Honestly, this helps us really finalize everything,” said Stacee Hetzel with Brown County Toys for Kids. “Our shelves are just semi-filled, but once we take this all down and unload it that will give us a chance to put it all out there, run a report, break it down into gender and ages and see where the holes are and then that’s where the money goes. We’re going to take that money and fill the gaps.”

Hetzel said 1,198 kids from more than 500 families are signed up for the Toys for Kids program this year. Distribution Day will take place Saturday, Dec. 17 at Grand Starz at 2323 Belle Plain.

Regarding the community support, Hetzel said, “It amazes me every year. I know this year times are a lot different right now, so for people to take whatever extra money they do have and support this organization means a whole lot to me and my family, all of us with Toys for Kids.”