FLORENCE, Wis. — For the past 27 years, St. Vincent de Paul volunteers have spearheaded a community effort to make Christmas brighter for families in Florence County.

They are once again asking the community for help providing needy children with gifts of toys and clothing by donating to the Giving Tree. Area churches are also involved with the Giving Tree. Tags are available at the First Presbyterian, Bethlehem Lutheran, Homestead Baptist and St. Mary Catholic Church.

Last year, 48 families, with 108 children received gifts and food at Christmas.

The following locations also have tags and drop boxes for gifts: Nicolet Bank at Florence and Aurora, Great North Bank at Florence and the Florence St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store.

To donate, go to any of the drop box centers and choose a tag from the Giving Tree, then purchase the type of item indicated on the tag and return the gift with the tag to the drop box by Dec. 5. Donors are asked to not wrap the gift.

The Giving Tree Committee hopes for a repeat of the community’s generosity of past years.