COLUMBUS — Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers brought joy to families in need by providing more than 3,000 books and new toys to children across its service areas.

Toys were distributed in Valdosta in partnership with toys for Tots, which also held distributions in Columbus, Moultrie, Newnan, Villa Rica, Colquitt and Tifton, as well as Phenix City, Alabama.

Toys were also distributed at Santa’s Castle at Moody Air Force Base.

Other distributions were held at the Auburn Police Department, Santa’s Castle at Fort Moore, Santa’s Castle at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Piedmont Blue Lights in Columbus, and The Village Foster Care.

Goodwill worked closely with its partners to ensure the toys reached families in communities where they were needed most, the charity said in a press release. This initiative highlights Goodwill’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities beyond its job training and placement services mission, the release said.

“We are thrilled to be part of this meaningful collaboration,” said Tricia L. Konan, vice president of mission services. “Helping our neighbors during the holidays is one of the core missions of Goodwill. The holidays can be difficult for families, but thanks to our amazing partners, we can spread a bit of joy and make this time of year a little brighter for children across our service area.”

Toys for Tots, a nationwide program dedicated to helping children in need, and local military bases and police departments were instrumental in identifying and distributing the toys to families throughout the Southern Rivers region, Goodwill’s press release said.

“The organization extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the partners who helped make this toy distribution initiative possible,” the press release said. “Together, the partnerships created magical moments for children and families, ensuring the joy of the holiday reaches everyone.”