Natchez — First Natchez Radio Group, The United States Army and Dairy Queen are thrilled to announce the third annual Santa’s Soldiers Toy Drive on Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

First Natchez Radio Group will broadcast live from the Natchez Dairy Queen from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning with The 95 Country Morning Crew, Rosco and Teri, Randi Clark at Mid-day and Country Boy Mark Porter during the final stretch.

They will be collecting new, unwrapped toys, monetary donations and canned food for the 12-hour period.

“A canned food drive has been added this year to benefit the United Way Community Food Bank. The holidays are suppose to be a happy time for families and we realized that food would be another way that the community could come together to help those in need,” said Margaret Perkins, general manager of First Natchez Radio Group.

“The Santa Soldier’s Toy Drive is one of the most joyous annual promotions that we do because of the overwhelming generosity of this community. Each year we meet new people that share stories, little ones that give up a toy to help another child. It is absolutely amazing.

“Many little ones have struggled bringing in toys and trucks that are bigger than they are. They come in stumbling with big smiles on their faces because they know that they are helping someone that is less fortunate than they are. It touches your heart deep down,” said “Country Boy” Mark Porter.

“It is a very long day for our staff, but so rewarding and we look forward to our partnership with Dairy Queen and the U.S. Army,” Porter said.

In the past two years over 2,000 toys have been distributed to Catholic Charities, The Natchez Children’s Home, The Guardian Shelter and The Sunshine Shelter. Please join us again this year for this amazing event by helping out our local children during the holiday season.

Bring a toy and a can of food and we look forward to seeing you at The Natchez Dairy Queen, Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.