A Season of Giving

While you're out crossing holiday items off of your shopping list, consider purchasing a toy for a needy boy or girl.

At least two local entities are runnning holiday drives for Cherokee County families in need of assistance through Dec. 16.

Starting today, the branch of Bank of North Georgia will accept new, unwrapped toys for its designated charity, the Salvation Army of Cherokee County.

“Bank of North Georgia is very much at the heart of community life in metro Atlanta, supporting those institutions and programs that make the communities we serve desirable places to live and work,” bank chairman and chief executive officer Don Howard said in a statement. “Our branch teams are excited to embrace a local charity this season by collecting new, unwrapped toys to help local families. We are hoping that all children will have a joyous holiday this year.”

On Monday, the  Explorers will kick off a toy drive of its own. Individuals who want to donate toward that effort can drop toys in the box located in the lobby of .

If you know of other local agencies or charities that are running holiday drives, add them in the comments field under this article.