ROCKWELL — Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell has launched a “Christmas in July” project to collect more toys for the children of military families.

The funeral home’s Operation Toy Soldier last Christmas collected more than 2,000 toys that were distributed to local military families, according to Russ Roakes of Powles Staton.

During the month of July, collection barrels for new and unwrapped toys have been placed at Powles Staton Funeral Home, Crescent Pharmacy, The Hot Dog Shack, the Rowan County Register of Deeds office, First Bank, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Sidewalk Deli and Made Man Barber Shop.

Operation Toy Soldier is a nationwide, not-for-profit program supporting military personnel and their families. Powles Station is a member of Veterans Funeral Care.