Nov 22, 2018 2 min read

Coco’s Christmas returns to LeMoyne Community Center, 200 N. Forest Ave., Washington, on Dec. 8.

Participants can select gifts for others or pick out items for themselves during the annual free event, intended for families having a hard time making ends meet. There are no income guidelines or registration requirements.

Volunteers are constantly adding new items to the inventory, so everyone, regardless of their place in line, has an opportunity for them. Children are not permitted in the shops, but kept occupied in an activity area so parents can maintain an element of surprise at Christmas.

Those who are 70 years old and older can call ahead to schedule appointments, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. No registration is required for the public, who can shop from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cookies and hot chocolate will be distributed and warming stations will be available. A free meal and wrapping paper will also be provided.

Participants are asked to bring their own bags to carry items.

Donations are being accepted for the event. Clothing will not be accepting, but coats are welcome. Gifts for teens are especially needed, such as headphones or small electronics. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Volunteers are needed to help set up, starting at 11 a.m. Dec. 7, and the day of the event at 11 a.m.

Drop-off locations include state Sen. Camera Bartolotta’s Southpointe and Monongahela offices, state Rep. Tim O’Neal’s Washington office, city of Washington municipal building, Washington County commissioners office, Washington County Bar Association, Dekalash Studios in McMurray, Bethel Park, Pittsburgh and Wexford.

For more information, or to donate or volunteer, call the LeMoyne Center at 724-228-0260.