The annual Christmas gathering at the Farmington Fire Department is on the schedule for later this month.

Planned for Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Farmington firehouse, corner of Escalon-Bellota Road and Highway 4, the evening includes music, refreshments and visits with Santa Claus for the youngsters attending.

The doors will open at 6:30 p.m.; there will be a wide variety of homemade cookies, brownies and other sweet treats, in addition to cider, coffee and punch, and holiday music. Santa and Mrs. Claus typically arrive at 7 p.m., coming in on a fire truck, and spend time visiting with those attending, posing for photos and hearing holiday wishes.

Meanwhile, in Escalon, the annual toy distribution put together through a cooperative effort of the Escalon Fire Department and Escalon American Legion Post 263/American Legion Riders, has scheduled its sign-up day for Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the firehouse at 1749 Coley Ave., Escalon.

Those signing up are asked to bring proof of residency in the Escalon Fire District along with a birth certificate or social security number for each child being signed up. The distribution of holiday toys is set for Friday, Dec. 23 at the firehouse; only those that sign up in advance can take part. Collection boxes have been distributed throughout the community for the donation of new, unwrapped toys to be given away. Toys appropriate for boys and girls from infants to early teens are being sought.

Finally, for those that want to get in touch with Santa Claus, there is a special collection box set up in the Escalon Post Office, 1854 Coley, for those that want to drop off a letter indicating their holiday wishes. The letters will be delivered to Santa before the holidays.