The Christmas season of selfless-giving and caring began earlier for some this year.

Participants in Isabella County’s Christmas Outreach Program started their Christmas giving Tuesday.

The program involving Toys for Tots — the collection of toys and other items for underprivileged families — began more than 20 years ago with members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, 320 S. Bradley St.

The program since has evolved into a community project encompassing many volunteers and sponsors.

“The program has become more community-oriented in the past years, growing to include churches, schools and social groups,” said Sue Hand, Immanuel Lutheran Church administrator.

The Christmas Outreach of Isabella County is in collaboration with the local Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Program, and expects to serve almost 1,000 households during the 2002 Christmas season.

“We have already begun to receive donations, but we will officially start collection on Dec. 3,” said Gwinn junior Karen Paris, Christmas Outreach staff administrator.

People who wish to donate items can do so now until Thursday at the old Post Office, 208 E. Illinois and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the same location.

Needed items include children’s clothing, adult winter outer clothing, boots of all sizes, sweatshirts, sweaters, new toys, infant wear, adult clothing, bed linens and towels, jeans of all sizes, mittens, hats and books.

Monetary donations also can be made at Isabella Bank and Trust locations, payable to Christmas Outreach.

Many volunteers are still needed to sort and distribute items.

“Anyone can volunteer in the community,” Paris said. “We already have about 50 volunteers signed up, but I will take up to 300.”

People interested in volunteering can call Immanuel Lutheran Church at (989) 773-4204.

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