The Village Bank and the City of Newton Department of Health and Human Services will partner again this year for a Holiday Gift Drive designed to share the joy and excitement of the season ahead with children who may not otherwise have that same opportunity. This will mark the tenth consecutive year of the combined efforts of the Bank and the City to help meet the holiday needs of local families.

Newton residents, businesses, and community partners are encouraged to participate in the Holiday Gift Drive with donations of new, unwrapped gifts for children ages newborn to 10. Suggested gifts include age-appropriate DVDs, games, sporting goods, and toys. A donation of gift certificates purchased from local merchants will also benefit businesses in the community.

Donations can be made through December 11 at The Village Bank locations in Auburndale, Newtonville, Nonantum, Newton Highlands, Waban, and West Newton. In addition, the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber will be collecting gifts at its Holiday Party on Dec. 6  at Brio.

New this year: The Newton Police will also be collecting gifts for the Drive at the City’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at City Hall on Dec. 7. If you’re planning to attend this wonderful family event, please bring along a gift to share. You will be invited to help “Stuff A Cruiser” with toys and games to make this a wonderful holiday season for our neighbors!

The Holiday Gift Drive has helped as many as 200 local families each year in the past, according to Joseph De Vito, president and CEO of The Village Bank

“The generosity of our customers, friends, and neighbors never ceases to amaze us,” De Vito said. “Coming together to help others defines us as a caring community. It is rewarding for The Village Bank to play a role in making that happen.”

Susan Paley, vice president and community relations officer for The Village Bank, will work with Pam Weissman, Newton’s director of social services, in distributing the gifts to income-eligible families in time for the holidays.