Collection boxes are out, distributed throughout the community, as the Escalon Fire Department works to collect toys for a December holiday giveaway.

Firefighters earlier staged a one-day sign-up for the program. It is open to those residents in need who reside within the boundaries of the Escalon Fire District who otherwise would have a hard time providing toys for their children for Christmas.

The boxes are set up for the collection of new, unwrapped toys.

They are available at Escalon Premier Brands, Main Street Garage, City of Escalon, Escalon Police Department, Oak Valley Bank, MarVal, Pizza Plus, D’Boni’s, Vineyard Pharmacy, the Escalon Firehouse and Family Dollar. Also, BMO Bank, Escalon Legion Hall, Hogan Manufacturing, Van Allen Elementary School, Dent Elementary School, El Portal Middle School, Saron Lutheran Church, Starbucks, Trinity Church, Les Schwab Tires, Orlando’s Market, Patched Pumpkins Boutique and Napa Auto Parts.

Fire officials said they typically struggle with having enough gift items for the newborn-infants, boys and girls category, and the oldest teens, boys and girls, ages 14 to 16, category.

Monetary donations are also accepted; those can be dropped off at the Escalon Fire Station, 1749 Coley Ave., Escalon, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We would like to thank all of the local businesses in allowing us to place the donation boxes,” the department noted.

The fire department has hosted the giveaway for years and partners with the Escalon American Legion Gustafson-Thompson Post 263 to stage the program; several community volunteers, along with firefighters, Legion members and Escalon Police Department personnel typically assist at the distribution program itself.

Boxes to collect the new, unwrapped toys are now available, taking donations ahead of the Tuesday, Dec. 19 giveaway. That effort begins at 10 a.m.

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 volunteers then gather the bags of gifts based on the number of and ages of the children in the family.

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