Massachusetts State Police today launched their annual effort to boost the US Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” drive, a program that gives gifts to children of families in need during the holiday season.

For the past 28 years, State Police have assisted the Marine Corps with the drive, which has been running nationally since 1947. New, unwrapped, non-violent toys can be dropped off at any State Police barracks through Dec. 17, State Police spokesman David Procopio said.