There's a lot of talk about how lonely the holidays are for some folks. When the wind howls and the cold dark settles in, it can be especially harsh for people who don't have a gift to open, or even a family to celebrate with.

Since 1947, more than a 100 million children haven't had to face those cold and lonely holiday nights alone because generous people -- people like you -- were kind enough to donate toys through the Toys for Tots program.

Those generous people didn't pour out their wallets or piggy banks. They wrapped up relatively inexpensive new toys and donated them to needy children. Just think how happy a needy kid in Centre County would be if he or she got a toy you bought.

All you have to do to be a part of Toys for Tots is buy a new toy -- it doesn't have to be an expensive remote control car or fancy-schmancy video game -- and drop it off at any one of the many local designated points. Just make it a sensible gift; it shouldn't be a toy gun or violent plaything, but rather something with which a boy or girl can find hours and hours of warmth.

Toys collected locally will be distributed by the American Red Cross to needy children in this area. The Marine Corps Reserve sponsors the program; the campus Marine ROTC as well as several local businesses offer a hand. You can be a part of that effort by dropping off your toy at one of the locations listed in Collegian Briefs and Notes.

And there is a bonus option for those of you who don't want to give something for nothing. If you bring a new toy to the Penn State women's basketball game Dec. 3, or the men's game Dec. 20, you get in free.

Before you order that study-break pizza with extra cheese, put the money where it can really help -- toward a toy for a child in need. Whether it's a dump truck, a Teddy bear, a Matchbox car or a doll, your gift can make a difference.