Christmas already? For Christian Thomas of Fayette, it is. Thomas received a bicycle Thursday from Toys for Tots, kicking off their holiday toy drive season. The bicycle was put together and autographed by country music star Aaron Tippin during his September performance at the Isle of Capri Casino.

Thomas was located through Santa’s Helpers, a Fayette-based group. Carrie Jackson, coordinator for the group, was responsible for choosing Christian to be the lucky recipient.

Each Christmas, Toys for Tots helps needy children, giving them an unwrapped toy for the holiday. Dannie Weddle, area coordinator for Toys for Tots in Columbia, said he makes sure every child has a gift. Weddle was present to give Christian his bike yesterday, along with the help of an area Marine.

Toys for Tots started in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.

For more information on Toys for Tots in the Boonville area, contact Pastor Christie Ford at 660-882-9050 or go to www.toysfortots.org to donate a toy online.