10:22 AM PST on Monday, November 29, 2004

By TERESA BELL, kgw.com Staff

KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8 has officially kicked off its 23rd annual Great Toy Drive in Portland, to collect gifts for needy children.

People can drop off gifts at collection points in more than 75 Les Schwab Tire Centers in Oregon and southwest Washington and at Northwest NewsChannel 8’s studios at 1501 SW Jefferson Street in Portland during the toy drive. Organizers said toys will also be accepted at Regence BlueCross BlueShield offices in downtown Portland.

KGW File

Volunteers from Les Schwab deliver gifts during a previous Great Toy Drive.

Donations will be accepted up until Thursday, December 16th.

"The Great Toy Drive is one of the biggest events NewsChannel 8 conducts every year," said Northwest NewsChannel 8’s President and General Manager Paul Fry. “After more than two decades, the station remains committed to making sure every child has as happy a holiday season as possible.”

KGW is part of Belo Corp., one of the nation’s largest media companies with a diversified group of market-leading television, newspaper, cable and interactive media assets.