Collection boxes have been distributed by members of the Escalon Fire Department, which is once again helping to coordinate a local toy drive for families.

Sign-ups for the holiday distribution will be Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Escalon Fire Station on Coley Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and those signing up must be residents of the Escalon Fire Protection District.

Residents are asked to donate new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages in the boxes, which have been placed at multiple locations throughout the community.

Donation box sites include: Escalon Premier Brands, Main Street Garage, City of Escalon, Escalon Police Department, Oak Valley Community Bank, Mar Val Main Street Market, Pizza Plus, Mountain Mikes, D’Boni’s, Vineyard Pharmacy and the Escalon Firehouse. Also, Oliva Dawn Candle Co., Escalon American Legion, Hogan Manufacturing, Van Allen Elementary School, Dent Elementary School, El Portal Middle School, Saron Lutheran Church, Starbucks, Trinity Church, Les Schwab and Orlando’s Market. Donations can also be dropped off in the boxes at Soul Coffee, Napa Auto Parts, Baker Print Co., Farmers Insurance, Authentic Images Tattoo, Dollar General and Escalon Library.

Escalon Fire and Escalon American Legion have cooperated in the toy drive effort for the last several years, along with assistance from Escalon Police.

Crews will return for the toy box pick up on Friday, Dec. 19 with the toy giveaway set for Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

In addition to the toy collection this month, fire officials are inviting families to “Hot Cocoa with a Firefighter” which is being hosted in conjunction with Soul Coffee at 1754 Main St., Escalon. The event on Saturday, Dec. 13 is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and all are invited to join in at Soul Coffee for some hot cocoa – free cocoa for kids – a visit with Santa, coloring book giveaway and a chance to meet the firefighters and Sparky the fire dog.