The local coordinator of the Marine Corps League's Toys for Tots campaign is warning area residents about scam artists attempting to collect funds for the charitable organization under false pretenses.

Jim Heffernan said Monday he has received reports from people in the community who have fielded telephone calls from people pretending to be Toys for Tots volunteers, asking for cash donations.

He also was informed that an individual has knocked on doors in Helena and asked for money for the group to purchase toys.

"We don't do that," Heffernan said, adding that the national foundation sends out a mail solicitation once a year, but that is the only time monetary donations are requested.

Also, volunteers don't go door-to-door.

The mission of the Toys for Tots program is to provide toys for families that are in need of assistance at Christmastime.

Collection boxes are located at various businesses around town, and donations of toys made at those boxes are collected by Toys for Tots volunteers and distributed in December.

"What we're trying to do is protect the citizens from being scammed, and the good name of Toys for Tots," Heffernan explained.

Last year, 8,000 toys were donated to the cause by the Helena community, and he is hoping to surpass that amount this year.

Heffernan said that anyone with questions can call him at 458-6256 or 459-2382.