Booth Library will be accepting donations of gifts for the local Toys for Tots program this holiday season.

The donation site is in conjunction with the Mattoon Public Library, and the One Stop Community Christmas program will distribute donations.

One Stop serves more than seven Illinois counties including Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie and Shelby.

The focus of the organization is to join together other organizations such as civic groups, schools, businesses, churches, sororities and healthcare providers to provide a positive and memorable holiday experience for families in need.

In previous years, One Stop has hosted events at the Salvation Army and Lake Land Community College.

In 2013, One Stop helped 765 families and 1,896 children.

This year, One Stop is focusing on helping more than 2,000 children and has the goal of each child receiving one book.

Novels and coloring books will be accepted as donations.  A list of suggested titles can be found on the Booth’s website.

New, unwrapped toys are also accepted.

Those interested in making donations in the form of a check should make out the payment to South Eastern Illinois Community Foundation with an indication of “One Stop Books” on the memo line.

Those interested can also mail donations to the foundation at One Stop, P.O. Box 1211, Effingham, Ill., 62401.

Eastern students, staff, faculty and Charleston residents may donate new and unwrapped gifts as well as money to the organization until Dec. 11.

Donations can be placed in the Toys for Tots box located in the Marvin Foyer near the north entrance of Booth Library.

Samantha Middendorf can be reached at 581-2812 or semiddendorf@eiu.edu.