Many opportunities remain for making holiday donations

Toys for Tots
For more than 20 years, the Key Biscayne office of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate has participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program.

Once again this year, unwrapped, new toys may be dropped off at the Coldwell Banker office located in The Galeria shopping center at 328 Crandon Boulevard. Toys are being accepted through Monday, December 17, and can be dropped off during office hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.4 p.m.

The toys are distributed by thc U.S. Marine Corps reservists, many of whom have served their country in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

"This is such a special season," says Manager Susie Abell, "and our associates and employees thoroughly enjoy playing Santa's helpers to those whose holidays may not be as merry and bright without the generosity of our friends on Key Biscayne."

Police, Fire toy drive
Key Biscayne police officers and firefighters are spearheading money and toy collection drives to make the holidays happier for underprivileged children across South Florida.

The Police Department announced the creation of the Key Biscayne Police Holiday Relief Fund, which coordinator Eileen Press, wife of Police Chief Charles Press, will use to purchase gifts for 100 kids ages 6-12. The kids, who will be selected based on strong academic performance, will be treated to a holiday party at the Key Biscayne Community Center Friday, December 21.

The effort is being run through the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, so donations are 100 percent tax deductible. Donors can write checks to the Foundation and target them for the Key Biscayne Police Holiday Relief Fund. Checks should be delivered to the police station to Chief Press's attention.

Meanwhile, firefighter/paramedic Ron Erbel is coordinating a Toys for Tots drive at the fire station.

New, unwrapped gifts for toddlers through preteens can be brought to the fire station between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. everyday up until a week before the Christmas holiday. Donors should leave the gifts with a person, not outside the building, to avoid "suspicious package" reports.

Local firefighters are working _ hand-in-hand with CBS Channel 4 's Neighbors 4 Neighbors charity to distribute the gifts, Erbel said. Residents who would rather donate money than toys can mail checks to the TV station; more information is available online at http://cbs4.comlneighbors.

Kiwanis toy drive
The Kiwanis Club of Key Biscayne is holding a holiday toy drive.

Toys will be donated to children living in trailer parks.

Toys should be dropped off at the office of Dr. Alberto Suarez, 240 Crandon Boulevard, Suite 104.

Woman's Clnb pecan fund-raiser
Key Biscayne Woman's Club members are selling fresh pecans from Georgia.

Proceeds from pecan sales provide scholarships for Key Biscayne students and local charities.

Pound bags are being sold for $8 at The Towers Beauty Salon or Glamour Hair Salon or by calling Fredda Levitt at 305-361-2194.