NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY — Blaine Fisher, right, and Michelle Brown of Ma Brown’s Cookies and More, left, pose for a photo on Friday morning. Blaine’s sixth annual “Heart of Gold” toy drive is officially underway

For the last six years now, Blaine Fisher and his mom have been teaming up with area businesses on the annual “Heart of Gold” toy drive to collect Christmas gifts that are donated to the Salvation Army in Marshalltown. The drive is back again this year with a whopping 20 business partners, the highest number yet.

Any toys from newborn to 18 years of age will be accepted, but Kandy was quick to note that teenagers often get the least — so thinking of them would be much appreciated. The Salvation Army has also been struggling with donations.

For Blaine, it always goes back to making sure every kid can have a special Christmas.

“Because otherwise they might not get toys or other stuff they might want for Christmas because families might be struggling,” he said when asked why he continues to keep the drive going.

Michelle Brown of Ma Brown’s Cookies and More joined the drive for the first time this year and said she wanted to make sure small business owners who give back to the community should be recognized just like their larger counterparts.

Toys will be collected until Dec. 4 before they are dropped off at the Salvation Army. Participating businesses are listed below.

Conrad

Classic Cuts -118 N. Main St.

Hangloose Nutrition -121 N. Main st.

Steckelberg Veterinary Clinic PC-18095 330th St.

Marshalltown

Studio M-13 E. Southridge Rd. Suite C

Bauder Consulting-13 E. Southridge Rd

Ma Brown’s Cookies & More-2909 Jackie Terrace

Mama DiGrado’s Pasta & Pizza-2500 S. Center Street

TC’s Pub-921 N. 3rd Ave

REM Iowa-21 S. 2nd Ave

Taco John’s-907 S. Center St.

Grace C Mae Advocate Center-2501 S. Center St.

Marshalltown Police Department-909 S. 2nd St

Citizens Savings Bank-110 W. Southridge Rd

Oliver Beene Designs-214 E. Main St.

Gregg Young Chevrolet-2909 S. Center St.

T2K Nutrition -2501 S. Center St.

Shear Satisfaction -2003 S. Central St.

Shoe Sensation Marshalltown – 2500 S. Center St.

Exterior + Home Remodeling – 1304 Iowa Ave. W.

Tama

Velocity Nutrition -123 W. 3rd St.