Volunteer Charlene Gamet, top center, along with her daughter and granddaughters, staffs one of the Truckee Community Christmas collection barrels. Photo/Provided

The Truckee Community Christmas nonprofit organization is again overseeing toy, food, and coat drives that provide staples to local families and individuals just before Christmas each year.

Locals who place donated items in collection barrels that are placed throughout the community between Nov. 30 and Dec. 18, and marked with the Truckee Community Christmas square red logo, can be assured that their contribution will stay in the community to directly help a local family in need. All collected goods are distributed to recipients who have undergone a thorough application and review process. These individuals include low income families, teen moms and their babies, seniors who are home-bound and other deserving residents.

To help, go online www.TruckeeCommunityChristmas.com to find out how to donate, what to donate, where collection bins are located, how to volunteer and more.