Another year of making lists, checking them twice and being sure everyone gets the perfect gift, but not everyone can make such wishes come true.

A fiscally challenging year for most will mean an increase in need. Those able to give will have plenty of opportunities to support local families in need. Here’s a list of some ways to give back this year:

Central County Fire toy drive

The long-standing program in Burlingame and Hillsborough gives firefighters the opportunity to watch the faces of children light up when given a small teddy bear. This year, the drive has added extra events starting with Broadway Cheer 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday Dec. 5 on Broadway in Burlingame. The annual holiday celebration will also host a toy drive benefiting the cause.

The firefighters donate the new toys to local charities including the Interfaith Hospitality Network, Women’s Recovery, the East Palo Alto Police Department, First Congregational Church in San Mateo, Air Transport Employees, Call Primrose, Macedonia Church, Mid-Peninsula Boys and Girl’s Club, the San Mateo County Children’s Fund and St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room. Any leftover toys are donated to the Menlo Park Firefighter’s Association, which has a distribution program set up after the holidays. Donations can be dropped off at all Burlingame and Hillsborough stations. There will also be barrels around town.

Schools have traditionally been a huge supporter of the drive, said firefighter Herman Barahona. Despite the support, the drive was low on gift cards to Target last year, a popular gift for teens.

For more information call 558-7600 or e-mail firefighter Herman Barahona at hbarahona@centralcountyfd.org.

San Mateo Fire toy drive

Collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children will be taking place at numerous place throughout San Mateo starting Dec. 1. Tuesday marks the kick-off date for the San Mateo Fire Department toy drive, which will have a stand at the Hillsdale Shopping Center. Gifts can also be donated to any of the local fire stations. A collection will take place downtown from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 during the holiday celebration.

On Saturday Dec. 5, residents are invited to enjoy a free breakfast with Santa. The celebration will support the drive as those in attendance are asked to bring a gift or leave a donation. Food will be served from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 21, 120 S. Ellsworth Ave. in San Mateo.

Gifts for really young children and pre-teens are the hardest to come by, said Rich Seguine, president of the San Mateo Firefighters’ Toys for Tots.

Three local elementary schools — Sunnybrae, San Mateo Park and Highlands — will compete to gather toy donations as well. Whichever generates the most will get a barbecue from the fire department in the future.  

Businesses can also host a bin to become a drop off point. The fire department will drop off and pick up the toys collected.

A wrapping party will be held Dec. 12. Anyone interested in making a donation of time or resources for the party, or hosting a collection bin, should contact Rich Seguine at richseguine@att.net.

Redwood City toy and book drive

Books and toys are being sought for the annual drive put on by the Redwood City Police Activities League, Police Officers and Firefighters Association. New unwrapped toys and books for children ages 8 to 12 years old are being collected at the fire houses and police station around town.

The Police Officer’s Association and Redwood City Fire Department’s Create-A-Smile Foundation, both donate money to buy wrapping paper, tape, toys and books. Tax deductible donations can be made to Redwood City Firefighters/PAL Toy and Book Drive, Redwood City Fire Station No. 9, 755 Marshall St., Redwood City, CA 94063.

CALL Primrose

The local Burlingame food bank saw a 60 percent increase in need this year, said CALL Primrose Executive Director Mary Watt. One way to give is by adopting a family, which costs about $50 to $60 for the food and a small grocery gift card for perishables. New, unwrapped toys for children 12 and under and gift cards to either Target or Safeway are always needed as well.

Those interested in volunteering or giving can e-mail contact@callprimrose.org for more information.

VA Palo Alto Health Care System

Simply giving can go a long way at local veterans hospitals, said William Ball chief of voluntary service. Ball explained 100 percent of donations go to the patients, not administrative costs. Donations of clothing and personal items is also of help particularly for the homeless patients.

For more information about the VA Palo Alto Health Care System visit www.palo-alto.med.va.gov. To volunteer with the hospital contact voluntary service located in Building 100 at 3801 Miranda Ave. in Palo Alto. Voluntary Service can be reached at 858-3903 or William.Ball@va.gov. William Ball, chief of voluntary service at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

Giving while shopping

Through Dec. 24, The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno acts as a drop off point for Toys for Tots.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.