Halloween and election day are now both behind us, another holiday season is already here, and with it brings the now 13th annual Christmas at Home program to Albany and Clinton County, which is already underway with a bit earlier than usual start.

The program, organized by WANY radio station owner Pam Allred, the event is designed to help families and children in need have a happier Christmas season by receiving much needed food for families and new toys for children, who may otherwise not receive any.

After getting off to a slower than usual start in 2014, that year eventually turned out to be one of the most successful yet, and when all was said and done, a total of 256 homes, and just as importantly, 575 children, benefitted from the generosity of the community, including churches, businesses, organizations and the always important donations of many individuals in the city and county.

The event is sponsored annually by the City of Albany, Clinton County News, Clinton County Fiscal Court, and the Albany – Clinton County Chamber of Commerce.

Last year, 16 churches and 19 different businesses and organizations were involved in the toy and food drive, and several volunteers spend countless hours collecting, boxing and wrapping gifts prior to the deliveries actually being made just before Christmas.

Allred expects a large number to be served again this year and notes that food donations are especially needed more this year than in years past.

Any church who would like to participate by collecting food are asked to set out boxes for their members to donate food now through early December and asks the food collected be turned in by Thursday, December 10.

Also, any business that would like to set up a collection box for both food and toys, or to donate in any way are welcome to take part.

Monetary donations made will be used to help purchase new toys and food and persons donating are asked to give new toys only.

Volunteers to help do the wrapping, boxing and gathering of items donated are always an important part of the success of the program as well.

Deliveries to homes are made by city employees who donate their time each year. A date for the deliveries has not yet been set.

Currently, food can now be dropped off at participating churches and both toys and food donations can be left at Albany City Hall, WANY radio station or here at the Clinton County News office. More businesses that will have collection boxes set up will be announced later.

Anyone wishing to volunteer, participate or are in need of more information should see Allred or call city hall at 387-6011. Also, anyone who knows of a family or child/children who could benefit from the program can add their names to the “Wish List” by calling either city hall or WANY at 387-5196 during normal business hours.

Allred also noted that following a one-year hiatus, the always popular Treasure Hunt, associated with the Christmas at Home program, would be returning this year and more information, including rules, will be announced in the coming weeks.