Escalon Fire Department’s Christmas Toy Drive 2023 is about to get underway.

Sign-ups for the toy distribution program will be taken one day only, this Saturday, Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Escalon Fire Station at 1749 Coley Ave., Escalon.

The program is designed for residents who reside within the boundaries of the Escalon Fire District, intended for those who are in need of some assistance in providing gifts for their children this holiday season.

The fire department has hosted the giveaway for years and partners with the Escalon American Legion Gustafson-Thompson Post 263 to stage the program.

Boxes to collect the new, unwrapped toys will be placed in businesses and schools throughout the community, taking donations for the next few weeks.

The giveaway itself will be hosted at the Escalon Fire Station on Tuesday, Dec. 19 beginning at 10 a.m.

As they have in the past few years, the distribution will be done at the fire station in a drive-thru style. Participants, who have signed up in advance, can drive up behind the firehouse, in the alleyway off Second Street, where they will present their information and firefighters, Legion members and several community volunteers will ‘fill’ the order, gathering the bags of gifts based on the number of and ages of the children in the family.

Those signing up for the toy giveaway on Saturday must provide proof of residency and a social security card for each and/or a health card.

The distribution is designed for children from infants up to early teens; donations of all types of toys and games are needed.

For additional information, contact the Escalon Fire Department at 209-838-7500.