It's starting out slowly, but the elves at Vina Moses Center are starting to trickle in, and so are donations of food, toys and children's clothing that will make the holidays brighter for many local families.

The local organization serves low-income families in Benton County. Each Christmas, Vina Moses volunteers distribute food boxes and vouchers so that families can buy fresh food for their holiday table. Children younger than 12 years old are given new gifts. On average, around 1,200 families are served each year.

Volunteers already have started sorting through donated toys and assembling gift boxes. The process of organizing food donations begins today.

Monday, director Christine Duffney and two long-time volunteers, James and Dan Sinclair, who have been volunteering for more than 30 years, began assembling gift boxes at the gift distribution center at Rite-Aid in a former pet store.

"I have not seen one Bratz doll yet," Dan Sinclair said, sorting through boxes marked "Barbie types" in order to fill a gift request. Meanwhile, Duffney was at the other end of the row, looking through boxes for an action toy.

"That's got some action in it," she said, pulling a toy dump truck from the pile.

Starting next week, volunteers will be needed at both the gift and food locations, located in the Circle Nine Plaza on Ninth Street and Circle Boulevard. The food location has changed from last year, when assembly and distribution took place at the Benton County Fairgrounds.

"I'm so happy it's here rather than at the fairgrounds. Sometimes it flooded, and last year we had the storm," Duffney said. It also saves both volunteers and those picking up food and gifts from going to two different locations, now that the food distribution spot is just down the plaza next to Richey's Market.

The distribution of holiday cheer will happen Dec. 19 and 20, with pickup available on Dec. 19, and delivery available both days. Volunteers are needed to make deliveries, including some during evening hours on both days. Individuals and group volunteers are welcome.

"We have a couple of large deliveries," Duffney said, "including Benton Plaza. We have about 50 baskets for there."

In addition, volunteers are needed from Dec. 10 through Dec. 18 to put together gift and food baskets. Duffney said she'd like volunteers to commit to several short volunteer shifts, because training takes a portion of the first visit.

Donations of nonperishable food items, new and unwrapped toys and clothing and money to purchase any lacking items are being accepted through the middle of December. Applicants for food and gift baskets are also being accepted, and volunteers for assembly and delivery duty are asked to call and find out when they're needed. Information is available by calling Vina Moses Center's main office at 753-1420.