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GREEN BAY- Some tough fighters show their lighter side in the spirit of the holiday season. It was the annual "Toys for Tots" drive at Lambeau Field.

The Marine Corps of Green Bay reserve unit stationed dozens of men all around the stadium, to collect toys for kids in need.

The Marines collect all the toys and the Salvation Army coordinates the distribution. The idea is to give kids a gift this Christmas, who wouldn't have one otherwise.

For Corporal Jonathon Martell, the donations just keep coming in. Whether it's a few dollar bills or toy, each one will put a smile on the face of child in need this holiday season. And Martell can't wait for that moment.

"You can tell they're very excited because they get to see a lot of toys. For a lot of them it is the first time or only time they get to see a lot of toys like this" said Martell.

He says that wouldn't happen 3ithout a generous community.

Theresa Rotter is just one person making it possible.

"We brought Barbies and Hot Wheels and Lego sets and a Candy Land game" said Rotter.

It's a small investment with a big pay off.

"For us...You know you spend a lot of money to come to a Packers game and this is just a small amount that we can give back so that someone else can have a good experience too" said Rotter.

Sorting through hundreds of toys, the Marines have filled up nearly an entire U-Haul. And that's not even counting all the cash donations which easily total in the thousands. It was a rewarding day for Martell.

" Its great we get an opportunity to do this in the community along with the other things we obviously do for our country,"said Martell.

All to put a smile on thousands of little faces in northeast Wisconsin.

The toys will be given out to kids on December 8th.

The marines collected 1,683 toys and a record $26, 245 dollars.