Join Santa’s Posse, aid needy this Christmas

Santa’s Posse is gearing up to provide food baskets and gifts to hundreds of local families in need this holiday season.

Santa’s Posse, a partnership among many local nonprofits, businesses, clubs and others that’s led by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, has provided Christmas cheer for thousands of Clark County families in the past 16 years.

This year, volunteers, corporate contributions and donations are expected to provide Christmas items for 700 families and more than 2,200 children who would have little or none otherwise.

You can help. Through Dec. 16, Santa’s Posse will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children of all ages, as well as nonperishable food, toiletries and cash. They can be dropped at:n Clark County Sheriff’s Offices: Headquarters, 707 W. 13th St. in downtown Vancouver; West Precinct, 505 N.W. 179th Street in Ridgefield (near the Fairgrounds); and Central Precinct, 11608 N.E. 149th St. in Brush Prairie.

• Fire District 6 stations.

• Alpine Auto Body locations in the Hazel Dell, Orchards and Cascade Park areas.n KinderCare Learning Centers.

Visit www.santasposse.com for a detailed list and more information. Or, call Valerie Deming at 360-397-2244.Financial donations are tax deductible. Checks can be mailed to Santa’s Posse, P.O. Box 410, Vancouver, WA, 98666, Attn: Admin Office.

Volunteers are welcome to help assemble the food and gift boxes beginning at 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, at Columbia Machine Warehouse, 3000 Columbia House Blvd. Enter off of Grove Street and turn left into parking lot. The entrance is on the far northwest corner. The public is welcome. A light dinner will be provided by Burgerville.

Gifts and food boxes will be distributed on Sunday, Dec. 22nd.