Local families that signed up for the annual toy distribution at the Escalon Fire Department on Saturday will gather for the giveaway itself on Friday, Dec. 23. Between now and then, firefighters are asking for support from the community, with donations of toys being sought.

Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Terry Pinheiro said the toy boxes for collecting new, unwrapped toys are available at multiple locations in the community and will be out through Thursday, Dec. 22. Toys, books, puzzles, stationery items and more are sought for all ages, from infants to mid-teens.

Locations, along with the Escalon Fire Department, include: Escalon City Hall, Dent Elementary, El Portal Middle School, Escalon Premier Brands, MarVal Main Street Market and Pizza Plus. Also, D’Boni’s Pizza, Vineyard Pharmacy, Oak Valley Bank, Bank of the West, MT Pockets, BBVA Compass Bank, Dollar General, The Learning Tree, Escalon American Legion Hall, Eckert Cold Storage and Big Boy Market.