The Troy Athletics Department, the Troy Student Government Association and the US Marines Corps are teaming up in support of Toys for Tots to help brighten the holiday season for children within the Pike and Houston County areas.

Fans who bring a new and unwrapped toy to Troy’s football game against Texas State on Friday, Nov. 29 will receive a free general admission ticket. Troy will have a special collection area at Gate 1 in the south end zone where fans can bring the toys. Kickoff between the Trojans and Bobcats is set for 1 p.m.

Santa Claus will also be making a special appearance in Tailgate Terrance from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Children 12 and under who come and take a picture with Santa will receive a free general admission ticket out of Santa’s bag; families are encouraged to bring their own camera for the photograph.

The Marines Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the US Marines Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual US Marines Toys for Tots Program.

This program provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during Christmas holiday season.

For more information about Toys for Tots, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Troy enters the contest against Texas State one victory shy of reaching bowl eligibility for the sixth time in the past eight seasons.

Fans can purchase tickets to the game by calling the Troy ticket office at 1-877-878-WINS or by visiting TroyTrojans.com.