The Four Flags Area Council on Tourism hosts a Day of Giving from noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 16.

The council along with other area representatives are partnering with Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army to help fill the needs of the area’s many unemployed.

There are many items that are needed: an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, adult clothing, nonperishable food items, toiletries,pajama’s for children of all sizes, socks all sizes, items for newborns and infants, diapers and wipes.

The council also is collecting donations for the Veterans Home in Niles and the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek.

Suggested items for donation are postage stamps, envelopes, puzzle books, magazines, books, dictionaries, combs, deodorant, shampoo, soap, shaving items, dental floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pens, pencils coloring pencils, stationary, playing cards, crayons, craft kits, sewing kits, socks, slippers, razors, wallets, watches, MP3 players, radios, irons, laundry soap, handkerchiefs, phone cards, monetary donations, clothing of all types and sizes.

Local musician Kevin Blair will play a wide selection of music, and Santa will pay a visit. Items collected will stay in Berrien and Cass counties and will not be distributed across the state line.  If anyone has already been collecting donations for these organizations and have items that need to be distributed, bring the items here for collection.

Some of the volunteers assisting with the event this year are Dr. Guyers’ Christmas elves, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 204 Three Oaks, Al Walker, a local retired Marine from Niles who is a representative for Toys for Tots, and a representative from the Niles Salvation Army.

Boxes for the event have been provided by the UPS Store in Niles.

The Four Flags Area Council on Tourism is located at 404 East Main St. in Niles.

Call (269) 684-7444 or send email to info@fourflagsarea.org.