The Tri-State Pickers collected toys and food last year to help local families in need have a better Christmas. Organizers anticipate this year’s event doing the same and then some.

“This year we are taking just about anything,” Justin Maddy, lead organizer for the event, said. “Whatever we don’t or can’t give away during this event will be sold in a garage sale to raise money for next year’s event.”

The endeavor is a partnership with the Upper Township Volunteer Fire Department, Tim’s 93 Gas & Go and the Pine Grove Free Will Baptist Church.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday until Dec. 14, volunteers from Pine Grove FWB can be found at the Upper Township Fire Department in Hecla accepting donations of new toys, coats, and other items. Nonperishable food is also being accepted for the church’s new clothing and food pantry.

“Getting the church involved has been great,” Maddy said. “They really help me. I plan to do bigger and better things every year with the event.”

Maddy said his best day in regard to donation in 2012 was the last day. This year on the last day he plans to have Santa Claus at the donation location.

“It looks like this year we are going to be able to do a little bit more,” he said. “The people who donate are what make this event work.”

A pancake breakfast fundraiser is set for 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Applebee’s in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $5 ­ they can be purchased from Maddy ­ and the breakfast includes all you can eat pancakes.

Email pickin4acause@yahoo.com with any questions. The same email address can be used to make monetary donations through PayPal.