Toys for children of all ages are shown off by some of the volunteers of the Community Christmas Program last year that again will host a toy, food, and coat give-away for Dixon's needy held at Cornerstone Church.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Do your children have coats that they’ve grown out of, or does your coat closet have coats you haven’t worn that are just taking up space? The Community Christmas Program, formerly Dixon Toys for Tots, could put them to good use.

 Volunteers are in full swing, placing collection boxes across town for Dixon's underserved children, families, and seniors -- continuing the tradition of helping our own in Dixon for more than 50 years, reported Cornerstone Church Office Manager Monica Sepulveda.

“We gave out all the coats last year, so we really need gently-used coats. We’re asking for people to wash them first, as we have no way to do that. They can be put in the drop boxes or brought by the church at 185 Cherry St.,” she added.

The Dixon United Methodist Women, now called United Women in Faith, are once again partnering with the Dixon Women's Improvement Club to collect socks, scarves, knit hats and mittens for Dixon seniors who will receive a Christmas gift and a visit through the Dixon Christmas Program for seniors. 

Like other local churches, the DUMC donation boxes are inside at 209 North Jefferson, or leave a message at the church, (707) 678-2191, and someone will come by and pick them up.

Other organizations such as the non-profit American Legion Post 208 Women's Auxiliary continue to collect unwrapped toys in addition to canned or boxed foods for the Cornerstone Church Food Pantry.

Another toy collection will take place during the annual Christmas Cruise on December 9 beginning at Hall Park at 5:30 p.m. People are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy and/or canned food for the collection, but the toy deadline is December 15. The program will begin on Saturday, December 16, for needy families to come in and shop.

Sepulveda was excited to report there are new members of the community getting involved with the organization that had narrowed down to herself, Arlene Mendoza, Mike Loftin, and Jack Caldwell, although there are many individuals who help a lot like Patti Aguirre and Hazel Jimenez, she explained.

Sign-ups to participate for one’s children or family members will start soon after Thanksgiving, and those in need can pay attention to the Dixon 411 or Dixon Calendar and Events Facebook pages for updates on when they can start calling in for appointments.

“Parents seemed to really like the way we did the program last year because they came in without children and selected gifts for them, so we will be doing the same as last year,” she said.

“These are just some of the things that make our town so wonderful and we hold onto,” said Jack Caldwell, board volunteer. For more information, email: [email protected].