Escalon Fire Department is hosting its annual Christmas Toy Drive and has placed boxes for donations around the community.

A one-day sign-up for local families in need was hosted at the firehouse previously, with the distribution of gifts scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 21 beginning at 9 a.m.

The distribution will be at Escalon Fire Station 1, 1749 Coley Ave., Escalon.

The holiday toy giveaway is a cooperative effort by the Escalon Fire Department and Escalon American Legion Post 263.

Officials said toys are needed for a variety of ages, infant to teens, and several dozen kids were signed up for the toy distribution.

The boxes for donations of new, unwrapped toys have been placed at a number of locations, with pick up due on Friday, Dec. 20, the day before the Dec. 21 giveaway.

Residents can find boxes at D’Boni’s Pizza, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, The Learning Tree Preschool, Escalon City Hall, Bank of the West, El Portal Middle School, Vintage Pharmacy and Main Street Market. Also, Oak Valley Community Bank, Escalon Fire Station 1, Pizza Plus, Escalon Premier Brands, Dent Elementary School, Les Schwab, Family Dollar and Saron Lutheran Church.

This year, they are also offering a chance to donate money online if you don’t have time to shop; visit the Escalon Fire Christmas Toy Drive ‘GoFundMe’ page to make a donation, being accepted online through Sunday, Dec. 15 at 9 p.m.

More information is also available by contacting the Escalon Fire Department at 209-838-7500.