December is here and Christmas draws nearer. That's why Toys for Tots started out the month with their 35th annual Christmas parade.

Joyce Davenport chairs the finances for the parade and said its about more than collecting toys.

"It's the spirit of bringing people to Ardmore," she said. "Bringing the community together, all of southern Oklahoma. We have entries from every town."

Seventy-five floats from all over the state entered the Toys for Tots Southern Oklahoma Christmas Parade. Three even made the long drive from Arkansas.

Participants had to donate one $20 toy. But because some brought more than one, the day's total amounted to 150 gifts

Patti Baker entered a float for the Red Onion Grill. She said it's an opportunity to help out a good cause and her business.

"Well for one thing it's fun, and it's just advertising," she said."And we have a good time doing it."

2,000 Carter County children were able to unwrap gifts thanks to last year's Toys for Tots donations. Davenport hopes this years parade will not only continue to help bring area kids joy, but bring happiness to all involved.

"Everybody's hollering and screaming and waving at each other and it's just a wonderful thing to bring all the people together and get your spirit going kinda for Christmas," Davenport said.

And that's the kind of excitement that fuels the holiday spirit.