TRUCKEE, Calif. and#8212; The Truckee Community Christmas program asks locals to open up their hearts to help several hundred less fortunate families and individuals this coming holiday season. All program recipients are well screened and truly deserving of a box of food staples, a toy for each child, and warm winter outerwear.

Serving our community in its 18th year as an all-volunteer umbrella organization coordinating the efforts of several groups that rally to assist our neighbors in need, the Truckee Community Christmas program oversees the collection and distribution of food, toys and warm coats.

Hereand#8217;s how to join the effort:

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Food: Look for food collection barrels to appear at about a dozen locations throughout town, including local grocery stores the week before Thanksgiving. Cash and gift card donations are gratefully accepted as well. Suggested food item lists are posted at the collection barrels.

Toys: New unwrapped toys can be placed in collection bins at banks, real estate offices, schools and businesses all over town. Toys that are often in short supply include gifts for infants and teens. Wrapping paper is also needed.

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Coats: Warm, clean coats that you are ready to pass along to other families are greatly appreciated. Drop-off gently used winter outerwear at Church of the Mountains, located on Church Street in Downtown Truckee or at Sierra Bible Church on Brockway Road.

The Senior Holiday Wish program: Donors can provide necessities according to wish lists residents of the Truckee Senior Center complete. The seniors in our area are sure to steal your heart, as their wishes are often easy to fulfill and their gratitude is always abundant. For more information, contact Clarence AS2 at 587-5152 or e-mail xmas.wish@hotmail.com. Area homebound seniors will be taken care of by the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundationand#8217;s Queen of Hearts.

Sorting, packing and wrapping: The Sierra Mountain Community Education Center on Donner Pass Road will serve as command central Dec. 15-16 for sorting, packing and wrapping of all donated items. Mark your calendar to help with this effort.

For those who prefer to help by writing a check, contributions can be mailed to Truckee Community Christmas, P.O. Box 2955, Truckee, CA 96160. Monies contributed will be primarily used to purchase food gift cards. All donations are tax deductible. For information about Truckee Community Christmas, call the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce at 587-2757. For up-to-the minute news, and#8220;Likeand#8221; us on Facebook!