With Holidays and Heroes set to return the first week of December, participating agencies are accepting donations to help make the season a little brighter for area kids.

The program pairs local children with first responders like firefighters and police officers, who take the kids shopping for gifts.

After the shopping is complete, volunteers wrap the presents and prepare large food baskets for the children’s families. At the end of the day, the first responders load up the food and gifts and deliver it all to the families.

“Although many of us will celebrate and exchange gifts with our families, others are less fortunate and unable to bear the financial burden,” said a news release issued by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. “For them, it’s a struggle to provide the basic, daily necessities of life. Holidays and Heroes strives to add a little extra joy during the gift-giving season.”

This year, participating agencies include Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police, Idaho State Police, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Life Flight Network, Post Falls Police Department, Rathdrum Police Department, Spirit Lake Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Department, probation and parole and others.

Cash donations and nonperishable food items can be dropped off or mailed to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office at 5500 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene.

The public may also make food or cash donations at food drives in Kootenai and Spokane counties where participating agencies are taking part.