Federated is gearing up to collect toys and donations for Toys for Tots in advance of the holiday season. Federated will officially launch its 2014 Toys for Tots seasonal campaign during the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race Sept. 6 at Richmond International Raceway (RIR).

“The Federated 400 is the ideal venue for us to kick off the Toys for Tots fundraising season,” said John Marcum, director of marketing for Federated Auto Parts. “We will have several Marines on hand at Richmond International Raceway to lead the effort. Last year, thanks to our members, customers and manufacturing partners, we collected over 4,000 toys and raised over $190,000 for Toys for Tots, and we are already well on our way to another outstanding fundraising year.”

While the Federated Auto Parts 400 is the official start, Federated members have already been collecting toys and donations for Toys for Tots. For example, Hovis Auto and Truck Supply of Mercer, Pa., held its second annual “Toys for Tots Cruise-in for Cars and Motorcycles” on June 21.

Earlier this year, Federated members and suppliers raised more than $110,000 for Toys for Tots during an auction held at the Federated national meeting.

Leading into the holidays, participating Federated Auto Parts stores will accept toy donations at their locations. Financial contributions can be made at www.federatedautoparts.com/ToysforTots.aspx that links directly to the Toys for Tots website. Donors can use a credit card securely or print out a form and mail it in with a check made out to Toys for Tots.