LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Mendo Mill and Lumber has teamed with the United States Marine Corps Reserve to collect “Toys for Tots” for children in Lake and Mendocino counties this holiday season.

“The goal is to provide every child in our local communities with a toy for Christmas this year, regardless of their family's circumstances,” said Mike Mayfield, president of Mendo Mill and Lumber.

“With many people unemployed and others struggling to make ends meet in this difficult economy, it's a real challenge for them to purchase gifts for their children, and we hope to give them a helping hand,” Mayfield said.

As an incentive to generate support for the campaign, Mendo Mill will offer a 15 percent discount on all purchases made until Dec. 20 by persons who bring a new, unwrapped toy or cash donation of $10 or more to any Mendo Mill store, Mayfield said.

In addition to a 15 percent instant discount on their entire purchase, customers will receive a coupon for a 15 percent discount on their next purchase at Mendo Mill.

Mendo Mill will collect the toys and cash and deliver them to the Toys for Tots organizations that serve Ukiah, Lakeport, Clearlake, Willits and Fort Bragg, the communities where Mendo Mill owns and operates home improvement stores.

Mendo Mill has consistently supported local charitable causes over the years, including a Toys for Tots drive and food bank fundraiser in 2010 and a major campaign that raised more than $168,000 for local charities in 2009.

“I have great confidence in the good will of our people and I am hopeful that together we can make this a very special and happy Christmas for every child in our local communities,” said Mayfield.

Major Bill Hendricks of the US Marine Corps Reserve started Toys for Tots in 1947.

Mayfield said the organization “has become an enduring American symbol of Christmas charitable work.”

He added, “Mendo Mill is honored to join hands with the Marine Corps to help needy children in our local communities.”