Local shops and restaurants have started to collect gifts for the fifth annual Great Venice Toy Drive & Holiday Festival, hosted by the Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) and the Vera Davis Center, to benefit neighborhood kids.

Anyone who'd like to participate can donate an unwrapped gift at one of several drop-off locations including Huzzah! Toys and Superba Food & Bread on Lincoln Blvd., Oscar's Cerveteca on Rose Ave., Abbot's Habit on Abbot Kinney, Le Cellier Wine Bar & Restaurant on Washington Blvd., and the VNC booth at Friday farmers' market. The toy drive runs through December 17. 

On Saturday December 19, the toys will be given away to local kids during the annual Holiday Festival, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Oakwood Recreation Center. 

Kids up to 16-years-old, and present with a parent or guardian, can pick a toy—first come, first served—and take a pic with Santa. There will also be arts and crafts, a moon bounce, face painting, a caricature artist, DJ, and real snow.

“Last year, The Great Venice Toy Drive ensured that over 500 Venice kids not only had a toy for the holiday season, but also had a great day at Oakwood Park with their families and community," said Mariana Aguilar, one of the toy drive’s team members. "With the help of our Venice neighbors, we hope to make this year’s event the best one yet.”

Anyone interested in helping, donating, sponsoring the event or having a collection bin at their business can contact thegreatvenicetoydrive@gmail.com.