GUSTINE — The Gustine Lions Club, Miss Gustine and the Gustine Police Department will once again join forces for the community’s annual Food and Toy Drive, scheduled for Dec. 12 at the Al Goman Center.

The long-standing holiday tradition, which has supported local families for more than 50 years, will feature a new donation process this year. Community members can drop off canned goods and toys at barrel locations around town through Dec. 11, including City Hall, Dollar General, Coast to Coast, Family Dollar, Pioneer Drug, Tri Counties Bank and the Gustine Police Department. Most barrels will be collected Dec. 11.

On Dec. 12, donations will be accepted at the Al Goman Center, 745 Linden Ave., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at an outdoor barrel. From 4:30 to 8 p.m., the hall entryway will be open for inside drop-offs. A limited porch pickup service will also be available that evening for residents unable to deliver items themselves by texting 209-740-5761 before 7:45 p.m.

The drive benefits families within the Gustine Unified School District, including Santa Nella, with the Lions Club providing food supplies meant to last a month. In addition to canned and nonperishable goods, the club purchases meat, milk and bread, while community members contribute staples in bulk.

The toy drive, launched in 2015 by then–Miss Gustine Leslie Reynoso, continues with support from the current Miss Gustine court and the police department. Organizers encourage donations of new, unwrapped toys for all ages, noting that gifts for teenagers are often in shortest supply.

Families seeking assistance can pick up applications at school offices by contacting the school nurse. The police department is also accepting toy drive applications.

Organizers say the event typically serves about 60 families each year and remains a vital effort to ensure holiday cheer reaches households in need.