MADISON COUNTY — Several business and organizations in the Pendleton area are collecting toys for sick children and those in need to make sure they have a merry Christmas.

• Wireless Zone, 3027 U.S. 36, Pendleton, is serving as a collection center for an annual Toys for Tots drive supported by the U.S. Marine Corps.

New toys, wrapped or unwrapped, may be dropped off during regular store hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through the holiday season.

Wireless Zone Regional Franchise Director Jay Roberts said it’s the right thing to do to help others in need, particularly families, during the holiday season.

• All locations of Riley and Sons will collect toys for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

The Pendleton location at 7335 S. County Road 300W is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Collections continue through Friday, with toys set to be dropped off at the hospital Saturday, Dec. 15.

People who want to donate toys for children at Riley Hospital also can do so at State Farm agent Amy Turner’s office, 122 S. Pendleton Ave. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays), and WEEM 97.1 Radio Station, located at Pendleton Heights High School (during regular school hours).

More than 1,500 children each day are being served at Riley Hospital, according to hospital information.

The Riley Cheer Guild distributes 9,000 to 14,000 items each month to patients.

These items are given as gifts for the patients and children to keep. The toys can help pass the time or distract a child during a painful procedure, according to a hospital press release. Games, art materials, books, movies and music can add opportunities for children to learn, play and grow as they spend time in their hospital room getting better.