The John L. Scott annual Holiday Toy Drive is underway, with collection boxes in place at various businesses around town. On Saturday, Dec. 22, organizers will host a “store” of donated items for families in need to shop for gifts for their children.

The drive has helped provide gifts for 150 to 200 children in need each year for more than 30 years.

“I grew up on Vashon, and this is just such an important thing for the community,” said event organizer and real estate agent Heidi Grimsley. “It’s very near and dear to me personally.”

Grimsley has taken the reins of this year’s drive, and with the exception of the “store” location and a GoFundMe page for monetary donations, the event will look the same as last year.

Donation boxes were placed at Thriftway, IGA, Ace Hardware, Island Home Center & Lumber, Snapdragon, the Vashon Pharmacy and the Vashon Eagles last Friday. The drive serves families with children from newborns to age 18. Gifts should be new and unopened (if packaged) — clothes and personal care items are always welcome along with gift cards and gift certificates. This year, jars for monetary donations will also be available at some locations, including the Burton Coffee Stand. The GoFundMe page will be available online soon.

Item donations will be accepted until the morning of Dec. 22. The “store” will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the former K2 building this year, with a Spanish translator on site and “personal shoppers” or volunteers on hand to help those who attend. Each family will be able to choose three gifts per child, and no one will be turned away.

For more information, contact Grimsley at heidigrimsely@johnlscott.com or 206-660-6871.

Checks for the drive should be made out to Vashon Youth & Family Services and mailed in care of Grimsley to John L. Scott Vashon, PO Box 2009, Vashon, WA 98070.

— Sarah Low