While Christmas may be more than six months away, Marine Corps Detachment 1322 is hosting a Toys for Tots Christmas in July event Saturday in an effort to provide toys for needy children this year.

Todd Abbott, commandant of Marine Corps Detachment 1322, said the local group wanted to have a warm weather event that would draw people in the area.

“We want everyone to come out and have fun so that we can raise money for a great cause,” said Abbott.

Last year, the group held a Toys for Tots event in November at East Surry High School. It raised $800 at that event, Abbott said. This will be the third year the group is hosting a Toys for Tots event, but the first-ever Christmas in July event.

The event is being held at Veterans Park on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 or a new, unwrapped toy.

Cruise-in for Christ is hosting a cruise-in in conjunction with the event. There will be a poker run and a 50/50 drawing along with the cruise-in.

Music will be provided Beulahland Praise Team, Jimmy & Mony, Junior Hawkins & the Gospelaires and Penny Rinehart.

Food that will be for sale, with proceeds going toward Toys for Tots, includes funnel cakes, shaved ice, hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks. The Young Explorers with the Mount Airy Police Department and the Surry County Sheriff’s Department will be cooking the hamburgers and hot dogs.

The local National Guard will be providing a climbing wall for the event.

There will be a dunk tank, and a bounce house for children.

A silent auction that includes gift cards from local restaurants and other items will be held the day of the event. The group is still looking for donations for the silent auction.

All of the money and toys will be given to the Salvation Army and to Pilot Mountain Outreach. Abbott said all donations will remain in Surry County.

The Marine Corp League began helping Toys for Tots in 1947.

The local detachment has been active for the past three years, Abbott said.

To donate items toward the silent auction or for more information call Todd Abbott at 320-4044.

Reach Mondee Tilley at mtilley@heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1930.