CenturyTel wrapped up its 1999 national sponsorship of the

annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign on Christmas Day

by reaching its goal of collecting 100,000 toys, or the equivalent of $1

million in toys throughout its 20 participating states.

“We are proud of our participation in the Toys for Tots program, and

are grateful to have worked with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to make

this holiday season a joyful one for thousands of children,” said

Margaret Osborne McKoin, vice president of marketing for CenturyTel and

spokesperson for Toys for Tots. “CenturyTel has a history of supporting

programs that improve our communities, and the Toys for Tots program is a

tremendous opportunity to help our neighbors. Through collecting these toys,

we gave many less fortunate children the chance to truly enjoy the spirit

of Christmas.

According to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the 1999 Toys for

Tots campaign was the most successful to date.