A group of elderly women who bowl at Cypress Lanes in Lehighton have once again collected new-toy donations during their annual toy drive.

The Cypress Lanes Tea Time Bowlers on Wednesday donated several bags of toys to benefit the Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League Detachment 626 annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Sandie Artz, secretary and treasurer, explained Wednesday that the group donates the toys each year to the organization.

“They (Cypress Lanes Tea Time Bowlers) all enjoy it because it’s for the children,” said Artz, who added that the group has been doing this for over 20 years. “Everybody enjoys it, they think it’s the greatest thing.”

Joe Balogach, member of the Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League Detachment 626, loaded three full garbage bags worth of toys into his truck and said there had to be at least five dozen toys in total.

“It means a lot,” Balogach said. “We did close to 300 families last year.”

The Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League is a veterans organization founded to continue the traditions and spirit of all Marines who proudly wear, or have worn the eagle, globe, and anchor of the Corps.

Artz said the Cypress Lanes Tea Time Bowlers currently has 19 members, and is seeking five new members.

She said anyone interested in joining may call 610-377-3840.