Walgreens teams with Toys for Tots, to be featured on Ellen DeGeneres Show

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Thursday announced it is teaming up with Toys for Tots and local charities across the nation. Through Dec. 17, Walgreens customers can donate new, unwrapped toys at any Walgreens store.

All community donations will be distributed to local families.

"From the company's earliest days, Walgreens has been committed to lending a helping hand in the communities we serve," stated Walgreens community affairs director John Gremer. "With the help of our customers, we will send a warm message of joy and goodwill to thousands of families this Christmas season."

"We are very pleased to welcome Walgreens as a new national corporate sponsor of our 2011 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign," said Bill Grein, VP of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "With the help of the company and its customers, we will no doubt fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of thousands of less fortunate children who might otherwise be overlooked this year. We can't thank them enough for the significant part they are playing in this year's program."

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which is a well-known supporter of compassion and humanitarian efforts, will help raise awareness for Walgreens' national toy drive with announcements of its support for the campaign during the show. The show's annual Toys for Tots drive has raised significant funds and awareness for the cause over the past six seasons.

Toy drive donation bins have been prominently placed at each Walgreens location.