The holiday season is under way, and organizations and groups around the region are busy with activities, including the following.

Toy donations

Applications for Christmas toys and food through the Salvation Army will be taken Dec. 3 through Dec. 7, from noon to 2 p.m., at the Salvation Army, 1155 Flanagan Ave., in Empire.  

Applicants must bring identification, proof of income such as a state medical card and proof of children living at home. Gifts will be available for children through age 18 if they are still in school.

 Distribution will be Friday, Dec. 21, by appointment to those who have registered.

For more information, those interested can call Major Susan Jones at 888-5202.

Family food giveaway

Needy families can sign up to receive a Christmas Food Box through the Knights of Columbus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 26-27, at the Newmark Center, room 113, Newmark Ave., in Coos Bay. Photo identification is required.

Gift basket program

The annual Bandon Christmas basket program is again under way. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3440 and Ladies Auxiliary are gathering donations of canned and non-perishable food items, toys for children under the age of 10 and monetary contributions. The baskets include a turkey, potatoes, bread and other items to complete a holiday meal.

Boxes for contributions are placed at Price ‘n’ Pride, Ocean Crest Elementary School and Harbor Lights Middle School. Monetary contributions may be made payable to VFWA Post 3440, Christmas Basket Program, P.O. Box 992, Bandon, OR 97411,

To submit names for these Christmas baskets or for more information, those interested can call Joye Olson at 347-9351.

Visit with Santa

Santa will hand out presents and photos to children infant to 12 years old from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Lower Umpqua Senior Center, 460 Winchester Ave., in Reedsport. The event will include punch and cookies for all. The Christmas party is sponsored by Kool Coastal Cruisers Car Club and Wal-Mart. For more information, those interested can call Fred at (541) 271-3703.

12th-annual celebration at lightstation

December marks the 12th anniversary of the annual Christmas celebration at the Heceta Head Lightstation north of Florence.

Doors will open to the public from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sundays, Dec. 8, 9, 15, and 16.            

Volunteers have decorated the Queen Anne-style Keeper’s House with Victorian flourishes inside and out. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided nightly.

Oregon State Park volunteers will offer tours of the historic lighthouse tower.

Parking is available at the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic View Point, just below the Keeper’s House and a shuttle bus will take visitors from the park to the Lightstation front door. Visitors also can walk but are encouraged to bring rainproof clothing and a flashlight.

Entry to the Keeper’s House and Lighthouse are free but donations will be accepted.  Parking at the viewpoint is $3 per vehicle. There also is a raffle for a free night’s stay at the Bed & Breakfast.

For more information, those interested can call the lightstation at (541) 547-3696.

See’s Candy sale

The Kiwanis Club of North Bend will sell See’s Candy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Dec. 24.

The group will be set up at a new location this year, between Noah’s Ark Fish & Pets and Harbor Lights Animal Hospital. Noah’s Ark is located at 1760 Virginia Ave., across from Pony Village Mall in North Bend.

All money raised from the annual North Bend Kiwanis club fundraiser serves the community.

For business orders or for more information, those interested can call 297-1124.

Christmas party at Eagle’s lodge

All former employees of the IP Paper Mill in Gardiner are invited to a no-host Christmas party at the Reedsport Eagle’s Lodge on Saturday, Dec. 8.

Social hour will begin at 7 p.m. with dancing at 8 p.m. provided by Jeff and Ileia. The Eagles will be serving a steak dinner for $10 a person from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.