The Lake Orion Lions Club is collecting toys and games to help area children this Christmas season.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And as strange as it may seem with the economy booming and people working, there are families in the Lake Orion area who need a little extra help this holiday to make the season bright. Santa has some of his elves in the area disguised as Lake Orion Lions. They’ve placed some brightly wrapped boxes around town where toys and games for children ages 2-12 can be dropped off,” said Lake Orion Lion JoAnn Van Tassel.

Those toy box locations in the Lapeer Road (M-24) corridor include: Lakes Community Credit Union, 350 N. Park Blvd.; The Lake Orion Review, 30 N. Broadway St.; and Tangles Salon, 2661 S. Lapeer Rd.

In the Baldwin & Joslyn roads area: Orion Keg & Wine, 2250 S Baldwin Rd.; Orion Township Hall, 2525 Joslyn Rd.; and the Orion Township Public Library, 825 Joslyn Rd.

Dolls, teddy bears, stuffed animals, board games, craft kits, books, toy cars, coloring books and crayons are the types of items needed. The “elves” of the Lions Club will pick up the toy boxes on Dec. 13.

The donated toys will be added to the food baskets being put together at the CERC Center on Dec. 20 and then delivered on Dec. 21.

Anyone who would like to help with the Christmas Basket packing can call 248-391-0867 to volunteer. – J.N.