For the 34th year, the Escalon Ministerial Association is hosting the Escalon Christmas Fund, with money raised helping to provide food baskets for local families in need for the holidays.

Donation deadline for this year’s drive is Monday, Dec. 3 and checks can be sent to Escalon Ministerial Association, P.O. Box 1, Escalon, CA 95320.

Over 190 families in the area benefited last year, with a total of $18,000 raised through the Ministerial Association drive to provide the food.

Also, all in the community are invited to join in as the holiday season kicks off with a Lessons and Carols service, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Escalon United Methodist Church.