holy smokes batman— it’s nearly Christmas! With Santa’s arrival just around the corner many families are wondering how to get presents under the tree this year. Fortunately, there are two local organization accepting donations and spreading good will, charity and cheer. If you’d like to find out how to score a local toy discount and/or donate, please read on.

We know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year with all of the various charities and organizations asking for donations. However, the children receiving these gifts are in our schools, living in our town, and in real need of some extra cheer; please consider picking up an extra toy while you shop for your family to donate this season.

Middlebury Police Drive

Please support Middlebury Police Officers as they deliver gifts to local children on Christmas day by donating a gift today! They will be accepting donations of new and unwrapped toys right up until Christmas Day, when uniformed police officers will be delivering toys to kids in Middlebury and Addison County. Donation sites are: the police station, Town office, Agway, and Aubuchon Hardware stores (all in Middlebury). Current they are looking for more arts and crafts supplies (coloring books, markers, crayons, etc).

Mountain View Equipment

Mountain View Equipment is pleased to launch the 2015 “Kids and Christmas” program at each of their four dealerships. “Kids and Christmas” is a program where customers have an opportunity to make a donation to a local charity.  If they choose to do so, they receive 10% off their transaction, up to a $100 discount on in-stock parts and toys.

At the Middlebury location, the charity being supported is Middlebury’s HOPE Program which supports local families in need, through a variety of programs and services. Specifically, the HOPE Holiday Shop seeks to ensure that all children in our community will have a few gifts to open on Christmas morning.  Income eligible parents make appointments with the organization to select items for their children – clothing, toy or doll or activity, games and books. The Shop is funded entirely by community donations of cash and toys. The HOPE Holiday Shop serves around 600 or more local children each year.

The “Kids and Christmas” program will run through December 18^th at each of Mountain View Equipment’s four locations.  Suggested donations of $5 may be made at the parts counter by cash or check.  Some restrictions apply to discounting.

Do you have a favorite local charity that you give to during the holiday season? If so, please share it here or on our facebook page so that they might benefit more!