FRANKLIN—The Trooper Hill Toy Drive is accepting donations of toys and clothing for the giveaway on Tuesday, Dec. 13, and Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Donations in honor of Robert A. Hill Sr. will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 12, at Sedley Baptist Church, Meherrin and Riverdale elementary schools, Southampton High School, BB&T banks in Boykins and Newsoms, Curves for Women in Franklin and the James L. Camp Jr. YMCA.

Toys must be new, preferably unwrapped and for ages ranging from newborn to 12.

Franklin Cops for Kids Toy Drive this year is joining forces with the Trooper Hill Toy Drive.

Franklin Police Sgt. Mark Cornell said the program donated $7,408 to the Trooper Hill Toy Drive. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 56 in Courtland and Salvation Army are also helping.

The Trooper Hill Toy Drive will serve about 700 children in Franklin and Southampton County, said organizer Michelle Buchanan.

Hill in 2006 was hit and killed by a motorist during a traffic stop on Route 58. He and his wife, Melissa, sponsored families in Southampton County each Christmas and the toy drive was started in honor of that, Buchanan said.

When Hill died, Buchanan asked his wife if she could continue his efforts.

Melissa Hill said her husband would be proud of the efforts and the teamwork.

“He would be crying tears of joy,” Hill said. “He always loved the kids.”