MARYSVILLE – The upcoming holiday season can be especially hard for people in need in Marysville, Tulalip and Lakewood.

That is why the Marysville Food Bank and Toy Store is asking for help.

A holiday donation campaign will kick off with the All City Food Drive Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marysville Fred Meyer, Grocery Outlet, Albertsons and Safeway stores (State Avenue and Smokey Point).

Volunteers will also collect donations at Walmart on 64th Street NE on Nov. 3 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations needed include food, unused toys, stocking stuffers, gift cards, new books, coats and wrapping materials.

Despite the strong economy generally, Food bank director Dell Deierling said the need may be higher than usual.

“The food bank is experiencing a 14 percent increase in visits compared to last year,” Deierling said. “That is partly due to a policy change that allows customers to use the food bank weekly rather than three times a month, and it’s also due to increased need. We are seeing a lot of new faces…”

Higher need at the food bank usually correlates with a greater number of families also unable to provide gifts under their Christmas tree.

“This is a time of year when children really should feel an extra spark,” Deierling said. “Through the Toy Store, our community helps create a little more joy for these children in need. That is something very special.”

There are many other ways you can help your neighbors after that:

•Bring unwrapped gifts for children ages newborn to 17 to any Marysville government building, including the park office, community center, city hall, police station and all fire stations.

•Drop off items in one of the iconic red giving barrels wherever you shop and do business. More than 75 locations locally are participating.

•Bring donations to the food bank during operating hours.

•Host a toy or food drive at your school, business or organization.

•Volunteer at the food bank and/or Toy Store.

Families in need of Toy Store or food bank services can sign up at the food bank, 4150 88th St NE, before 11 a.m. Dec. 3. No online or phone registration is available.

If you would like volunteer at the food bank contact marysvillefoodbank@frontier.com. For other details send an email to fbtoystore@gmail.com or call Christie Veley at 360-363-8507.

Key dates

•Thanksgiving Food Basket Distribution – Nov. 22 and 25 9 a.m.–noon; Nov. 26, 2-6:30 p.m.

•Christmas Food Basket Distribution – Dec. 16 and 20, 9 a.m.-noon; Dec. 17, 2-6:30 p.m.

•Toy Store – Dec. 11 (L-Z) and Dec. 12 (A-K), 10 a.m.-6 p.m.