NEW BERLIN – “Project Santa” is in its 15th year at Unadilla Valley Central School as grades K-12 collect food, gifts and toys for area families in need this holiday season.

The effort is split into a food drive and a toy drive, each with active participation from the students.

The “Christmas Cares Project,” which is sponsored by the Sherburne Wheelers ATV Club, American Legion Post 189, NAPA, and Dollar General, collects toys for families who have found it difficult to make ends meet.

“It’s a nice thing that the faculty can do for families that are in need during the holidays,” said UV Superintendent Robert Mackey.

Through the efforts of the Council of Churches, these toys are distributed to families in Sherburne-Earlville, Norwich and New Berlin.

The “Project Santa” program gives faculty members the opportunity to choose students they believe might need assistance and to contact that child’s family to provide presents and/or a holiday dinner box.