FLORENCE, Wis. — For the past 30 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 Bethlehem Lutheran, Homestead Baptist, St. Mary’s Catholic and First Presbyterian churches.

These locations also have tags and drop boxes for gifts: Great North Bank’s Florence and Aurora branches and 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, purchase the type of item indicated on the tag and return the gift with the tag to the drop box by Dec. 9.

Last year 36 families with 90 children received gifts and food at Christmas.

Basic toys such as trucks, dolls, Barbies and Legos are always popular. Wrapping paper and batteries are also needed. Hand-knitted hats and mittens are also welcome. Gifts should not be wrapped.

The Giving Tree Committee hopes for a repeat of the public’s generosity of past years and thank them for helping others.