In preparation for the Christmas on Main event in Parkesburg, the Parkesburg Action Committee (PAC), in conjunction with local businesses, is sponsoring its third annual holiday toy drive. Area residents are asked to drop off new, unwrapped toys during business hours at Flowers in Bloom, 213 Main St., Parkesburg. Toys will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 2.

PAC member Tina O'Connor noted residents also have the option to donate a toy by visiting giving trees that will be placed later this month at Spring House Spirits, 217 Main St., Parkesburg, and the Grocery Outlet, 110 W. First Ave., Parkesburg. "A tree will be put up at Spring House Spirits and the Grocery Outlet.  Each ornament will include a suggestion for a toy or a child's need," noted O'Connor. "The community can take an ornament off the tree, purchase that item, and return the unwrapped item to Flowers in Bloom by Dec. 2."

O'Connor also encourages community members to purchase a "Shop Local, Shop Happy" tote bag at Flowers in Bloom, which can be used while shopping. "The tote bag includes coupons to local businesses," she said. "We are encouraging the Parkesburg community to do all of their (holiday) shopping locally."

The tote bags were printed by Creations From the Basement. Proceeds from sales will be used to purchase additional toys for the holiday toy drive.

Donated toys will be distributed to families in need at the Christmas on Main Event, set for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 6 p.m. A tree lighting will be featured at 6 p.m. The community tree will remain lit throughout the holiday season.

"We will be decorating the community Christmas tree on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 1 p.m. The tree is located on Main Street," O'Connor noted. "The community is welcome to help us decorate."

For more information about the toy drive and Christmas on Main, visit http://www.facebook.com/PAC19365 or email PAC19365@gmail.com. More information is also available at the "Shop Local Shop Happy - Christmas on Main" Facebook event page.