Thanks to many early bird planners around town, Truckee’s 12th Annual Community Christmas program officially begins Friday. It’s amazing how much organizing gets done before our calendars flip to November, but that’s what makes Truckee the generous place that it is.

Food barrels appear today in Albertsons, Safeway and Coldwell Banker offices. Nonperishable foods with current freshness labels can be placed in bins near the entryways. Food lists are attached to the bins for convenient shopping and donating. Homemade canned or baked goods are not permitted due to health code regulations.

The food program helps feed more than 100 families, seniors and homebound citizens with an abundant holiday meal. Food gift certificates are also distributed so families can purchase their own food. Cash donations are always needed. For more information on collecting food, please contact Andy Otto at 587-1163.

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Meanwhile, “All wishes are in,” according to Terrie Rankin, coordinator for Truckee’s seniors and homebound Meals-on-Wheels participants.

About 105 individuals will get their wishes met through this year’s program, which includes everything from seasonal gifts to daily necessities that need replenishing.

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“The community is so outstanding and people are so ready to give,” says Rankin, who is ready for your calls at 587-7291.

Church of the Mountains coat drive also begins today, with bins appearing in the entryway of the church in downtown Truckee, across from the Recreation and Parks building.

New or used, gently worn coats and play clothes can be dropped off at the church, Glenshire Elementary School and the Contractor’s Association of Truckee-Tahoe (C.A.T.T.). Coordinator Mindy Harrington, 582-4752, says children’s snow clothes and boot are in great demand, as well as men’s work jackets. Warm coats without tears or missing parts are most welcome, in all child and adult sizes.

Beginning the weekend of Dec. 3, toy barrels will appear at participating banks, real estate offices, businesses and schools. New, unwrapped toys can be placed in bins at all Bank of the West locations, U.S. Bank, Plumas Bank, Bank of America, Safeway, Longs, Rite-Aid, Prudential California Realty, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Porter Simon, Sierra Sun, Truckee Elementary, Glenshire Elementary and Truckee High School. Wrapping paper,

ribbon and bows are also needed.

Toy coordinator Pat Callahan says that gifts for infants and children under two years, and teens ages 14 to 18 are greatly needed. Toy wrapping takes place in the new cafeteria at Truckee High School on Monday, Dec. 19, from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. until finished. For more information, and to volunteer, contact Callahan at 587-4749.

Once again, cash donations are in great demand to purchase specific gifts and food for families and seniors. Please send contributions to: Truckee Community Christmas, P.O. Box 2955 Truckee, CA 96160. All donations are tax deductible.

Distribution day is Wednesday, December 21. For general information about the program, please contact Joan Hartwell at 587-7945. Updates will appear throughout the next few weeks in the Sierra Sun.