The Tri-State Pickers collect toys and food to help local families in need have a better Christmas. Now in its second year, the group’s founder and president Justin Maddy has begun dispersing this year’s donations.

“There was a lady whose house burned down and she has five kids,” he said. “She had just bought Christmas presents so I have been busy helping her.”

Maddy said he just purchased the family clothes, food and a microwave, among other things.

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 from Oct. 26 and until Dec. 14, Maddy sat at the Upper Township Fire Department in Hecla accepting donations of 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.”

This year Maddy collected $1,500 and is taking the money and doing the shopping himself, since he said the donations of toys was down this year.

“I plan on doing an event once a month if possible to keep the donations coming in,” he said. “My goal is to have the food pantry open year round.”

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