Operation Christmas Child is accepting donations of small toys and stuffed animals to be sent to needy children during the holiday season.

In addition to toys, donations can be made in another way that can help the environment even as it helps kids. Recyclables can be taken to Livingston’s at 2582 Gallia St. in Portsmouth where, upon request, they will donate the proceeds to the Operation Christmas Child fund. Proceeds from many items such as newspapers, junk mail, magazines, soup and pet food cans, and cardboard can be put toward this project, keeping a portion of trash out of the landfill and contributing to a special cause.

Monetary donations are also welcome. Donations will be used to help purchase the more than 85,000 items that go to fill the thousands of shoe boxes Operation Christmas Child sends to needy children each year. The Community Packing Party will take place Oct. 29 at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Portsmouth.

HEATHER DUMAS may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 241, or hdumas@heartlandpublications.com.