The Mathews County Christmas Store has announced its needs for this year’s store, which will offer brand-new items at no cost to over 650 community residents in need during the holiday season. The store will be held in early December at the YMCA/Boys and Girls Club gymnasium on Church Street.

A primary need this year, said a press release from Christmas Store coordinator Bernadette La Casse, is monetary contributions. With no funding coming from the county or state for this effort, “this program relies on the strength of our community’s heart,” she said. Checks may be made payable to Mathews Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 925, Mathews, Va., 23109. Note “Christmas Store” in the memo section.

A broad range of new items are also needed, from any kind of toy to any brand of toaster. Bikes, wagons, and ride-on trikes are particularly needed, along with sweatshirts, sweatpants, and fleece for men, women and children. The store can use kitchen and household items, blankets and...