One of Greater Hartford’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Hartford Festival of Light, will brighten the lives of 15,000 extra children this year. Through a partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program, festival organizers and sponsors have committed to raising at least 15,000 toys for less fortunate children in the Greater Hartford area.

Since 1963, the Hartford Festival of Light¨ has been an annual favorite in the region, bringing together thousands of families to celebrate the start of the season of giving.

“We are excited to continue this long-standing holiday tradition in its 45th year,” says Ken Kahn, Greater Hartford Arts Council executive director. “The festival’s new features and added toy collection element enhance the community-minded mission of the event, boosting the ever-important spirit of joy and giving that the holidays bring, especially during these difficult economic times.”

The toy drive is expected to collect more than 15,000 toys during the festival’s duration to benefit children in need throughout the state of Connecticut. In the spirit of holiday giving, festival attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the opening ceremony on Constitution Plaza Friday, Nov. 28, during special festival weekend events, or at satellite toy collection locations. TD Banknorth is the official toy sponsor of the 45th Annual Hartford Festival of Light. Employee toy collection campaigns are also being conducted at Connecticut Light & Power and United Technologies facilities.