A toy drive, as well as a collection of winter coats and shoes, promises to make the holiday season bright for families across the Poughkeepsie City School District.

When students return after Thanksgiving recess on Dec. 2, they will find boxes located in each school building to collect donations of gifts for a toy drive organized by the Community Schools Department.

The department will also be collecting new and gently used coats and footwear at its Parent Empowerment Center at Poughkeepsie Middle School between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Community organizations wishing to assist by donating can contact Community Schools directly.

All the items will then be given away at the department’s holiday celebration, to be held at Poughkeepsie Middle School Dec. 20, the Friday before winter recess, from 3-6 p.m.

Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance to give out the gifts; each will be targeted based on age group and gender. Attendees will need to RSVP in advance in order to make sure the students receive a gift.

“Last year we were able to collect more than 1,000 toys, so each kid walked away with two toys,” Community Schools Executive Director Natasha Brown said, noting more than 400 families were served. “This year we’re planning for 500 families.”

Community Schools liaisons wrap and label the gifts. “The Parent Empowerment Center becomes Santa’s workshop,” Brown said. “This is our third year giving away gifts. They have a whole assembly line approach, it’s great.”

Organizations looking to donate items should contact Interim Community Schools Administrator Jessica Ortiz at JOrtiz2@poughkeepsieschools.org or by calling 845-554-9546.

Dutchess Outreach again partnered with Poughkeepsie donating coats. Community Schools liaisons work with the principals at each school to identify 10 families in need, and the whole family is outfitted with coats.

“We have excess coats, as well,” Brown said, “We have them on racks and it’s free for the families if they want to grab a coat.” Last year, upward of 120 coats and 200 pairs of sneakers were given away.

Community Schools is putting on the holiday festival in collaboration with the Growing STEMZ Foundation, Charlia Frank, The Skip Lee Foundation, the Mighty Young Techs, the Poughkeepsie Cardinals and Saving our Tomorrow.

In addition to the toy and winter clothing drives, the party is planned to include a full holiday meal and desserts, engagement activities like decorating cookies or building snowmen, student performances, and holiday music. BJ’s Wholesale Club is sponsoring a pastry table and Community Schools is seeking donations from additional organizations.