DAYTON, Va. (WHSV) – The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Salvation Army purchased around $6,000 worth of toys Wednesday ahead of the annual Toy Convoy toy collection drive.

Every year for the last 28 years, the Salvation Army in tandem with WHSV and other sponsors collect toys for children so they can enjoy the holiday season and get something new. The longstanding tradition has given hundreds of families a chance to experience the holiday joy.

Lieutenants Douglas and Sharon Ingold visited the Dayton Walmart location Wednesday to begin preparations for the drive. They collected toys ranging from Squishmallows to LEGO sets for the drive.

Along the trip with them was Rose Swartz, owner of the Harrisonburg Auto Mall, who has supported the Salvation Army in years past. She said she likes seeing the joy on children’s faces when they get a new toy, especially during hard times.

”Things have been tough for people. I think that it’ll be harder to get toys this year — other things have to come first,” Swartz said.

People interested in donating new, unwrapped toys can drop them off at the Salvation Army locations or at the WHSV studios in downtown Harrisonburg.

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