South Whidbey’s annual toy drive for children of low and median income families has begun.

Sponsored by the Family Resource Center and number of other groups, Holiday House collects donations of toys at a number of South Whidbey locations.

Over the past month, students at South Whidbey School District have given their time to decorate boxes for the gift drive. Look for the snowflake covered green boxes at the following locations; in Freeland, the Christian Life Center, Eagle’s Club, Tiger Martial Arts, Coastal Community Bank, Whidbey Island Bank, St. Augustines’s In The Woods, Trinity Lutheran Church, John L. Scott Real Estate; in Langley Saint Hubert Catholic Church, Langley Chamber of Commerce, Assembly of God, House of Prayer, Christian Missionary Alliance, United Methodist Church, Family Resource Center and the Primary School; in Clinton Boomerang Korner, Naomi’s gas station and Wells Fargo Bank and Clinton Calvary Chapel.

And remember, when making a donation, please provide new, unwrapped gifts only.

The Holiday House is a shared community project where parents and caregivers can pick out which holiday gifts they want for their children while savoring a cup of hot cider, holiday treats and enjoying the occasion to connect with other community members. It is a combined effort between faith-based, fraternal, business, schools and charitable organizations.

Toys For Tots is the newest group to join this community effort and will be donating some of the gifts to Holiday House from their local drive.

A special Holiday House Hotline has been set up at the Family Resource Center, 221-6808, ext. 4322, for volunteers and for families who would like to sign up to be helped by Holiday House.

For general inquiries about the project, please call the main number at 221-6808, ext. 4602.

The Family Resource Center is located in the portable at the Primary School at 5476 S. Maxwelton Road in Langley.