The St. Ignace holiday toy drive and Adopt-a-Family programs are now underway, with early December deadlines to ensure distribution to all families and children who need assistance this season. Toys and gifts should be donated by Sunday, December 10. Those who wish to adopt a family have the opportunity to provide Christmas gifts and other necessities for households. Volunteers will be matched with families, and should also provide their gifts before December 10.

Last year, more than 150 children in Mackinac County received toys, owing to the generosity of individuals, businesses, and churches, said Sally Hazen, one of the volunteer coordinators of the program.

Toys, household items, and cash can be dropped off at 16 St. Ignace locations, including two Shell Stations, the Holiday Station, the BP Station, Central Savings Bank, U.P. State Credit Union, all three First National Bank of St. Ignace locations, Glen's Market, Ace and True Value hardwares, the St. Ignace Do-It Center, The Gold Mine, The St. Ignace News office, and Edward Jones.

More than 60 families in Mackinac County will be served by the Adopt-a-Family program offered by the Department of Human Resources. Families who request help through the program complete a wish list, specifying the age and gender of children in the household.

Donors can pick up forms at the Department of Human Services at 199 Ferry Lane (across from Glen's Market) in St. Ignace. Information can be obtained by calling the department at 643-9550.

Families will be matched with donors who then buy, wrap, and personally deliver gifts to the home.

Families who apply by December 1 have the best chance to be "adopted" by a donor, since the requests for assistance are greater than the number of donors. Families are not required to meet an income eligibility, and needs are judged on a case-bycase basis.

Families who participate are often those who qualify for and use other department programs such as food assistance, Medicaid, or child day care assistance.

Schools in the area, as well as the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, coordinate efforts with the Department of Human Resources in distributing gifts. School staff can suggest gift recipients, or collect donations in school offices for needy families. Extra toys may be shared with other agencies, such as the Tribe, for distribution.

The mitten tree at the main branch of First National Bank of St. Ignace is now up, and accepting donations of new mittens, gloves, hats, and winter accessories. The items will be distributed to needy families along with the Christmas gifts.

Anyone who wants to help assemble gift baskets and coordinate distribution can call Wendy Colegrove at 643-7456.

Cash donations to the program can be left with Mrs. Colegrove at The St. Ignace News office. Volunteers are planning to distribute gifts and household items by Saturday, December 16.