NATCHEZ — First Natchez Radio Group, The U.S. Army and Dairy Queen are thrilled to announce the fifth annual Santa’s Soldiers Toy Drive from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

First Natchez Radio Group will broadcast live from the Natchez Dairy Queen beginning with The 95 Country Morning Crew, Rosco and Mickey, Kelly Thompson 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.

“Again this year we will have a canned food drive to benefit the United Way Community Food Bank,” General Manager Margaret Perkins said. “The holidays are supposed to be a happy time for families, and we realize that food is another way that the community could come together to help those in need.”

“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.

Mark Porter said he loves watching the toys come in.

“Many little ones have struggled bringing in toys and trucks that are bigger than they are,” he said. “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. 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.”

In the past four years more than 3,000 toys have been distributed to Catholic Charities, the Natchez Children’s Home, the Guardian Shelter and the Sunshine Shelter.