SAUGUS — The holiday season has entered its full swing in town, and residents now have the chance to get into the spirit of giving by helping out those who need it most.
The Teamsters Local 25 Toy Drive is hosting its second annual donation pop-up at the Foxhill Yacht Club on 114 Ballard St. on Nov. 23.
The event will go from 9 a.m.-noon, and those who stop by can have hot chocolate and donuts while dropping off a toy.
“Let’s fill the sleigh together for kids and families who need it most,” the group posted.
Also occurring on Nov. 23 is Gregsgiving: an event in memory of Greg King, who died in 2016. It’s hosted by the Greg King Memorial Fund, which works to remove the stigma of addiction and sponsors family support and harm reduction for those affected by the ongoing opiate crisis.
King was known for “scamming” people out of their coats when he stopped by to visit, according to his father, Joe King. He’d leave the coats in the back of his car to help the homeless, especially those struggling with addiction, as a way to connect with them and show them he was there to help.
The only form of admission for Gregsgiving is a gently worn coat and/or non-perishable food.
The event will be hosted at the Saugus-Everett Elks Lodge 642, 401 Main St., and run from noon-5 p.m.
There will also be “Donation Bags” full of personal hygiene products for the homeless for sale for those attending who don’t have coats or food to donate. Instead, they can purchase a bag to give back.
The event includes raffles, music, and buffet-style food provided by Kowloon and the Wong Family.
On a similar note, the Saugus Fire Department and Police Department are joining forces again for their third annual coat drive for kids in need.
“Bring a new coat in youth or young adult sizes to help families stay warm this winter,” the department and station said.
The event will be on Dec. 12 at the Saugus-Everett Elks Lodge 642. It will run from 7-11 p.m., with raffles, a DJ, a buffet dinner, and a cash bar.
For those who can’t attend but still want to donate a coat, there will be drop-off boxes at both fire stations in town.
