Tis the season for giving in Point Pleasant Boro

Though visions of sugar plums — and presents — are probably already dancing in many residents’ heads, locals are also showing a strong passion for giving this holiday season.

Over the next few weeks, organizations throughout the borough are holding fundraisers and collections to help spread holiday cheer to those in need:

• From now until Dec. 14, Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty, of Point Pleasant, will be working locally in support of the Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” program, which collects toys for needy children throughout America, and, locally, in Ocean and Monmouth counties.

Since 1947, Marines have filled the dreams of millions of disadvantaged children during the holiday season. They do this by providing Christmas toys for those who otherwise might not have any.

A shiny new toy sends a message to a needy child that someone cares, that he or she has not been forgotten, and that the magic of Christmas has not passed him or her by.

To help the Marines this year, drop off a new, unwrapped toy to the Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty office, located at 219 Bridge Ave., in Point Pleasant.

• Maureen Ciribassi and her staff at Professionally Yours make it easy for locals to give the best gift of all this season: the gift of stopping hunger, right here in their own backyards.

Professionally Yours, located at 2601 Bridge Ave., in Point Pleasant, will act as a dropoff site for residents looking to donate nonperishable food items, now through Dec. 15

Ms. Ciribassi and her staff will gather, store and deliver many barrels of food to St. Gregory’s Pantry, in Point Pleasant Beach.