Donations sought for holiday party for the needy.

POTTSTOWN >> As any department store marketing manager will tell you, it’s never too soon to begin thinking about Christmas.

But instead of thinking about what to put under the tree, the time is best to start thinking about what you can put under Jim Frymoyer’s tree — or in this case, trees.

Every year, Frymoyer is the front man for organizers of a holiday party for needy children and food for needy families.

The party, sponsored by the Manatawny Association will deliver food baskets with a turkey and a ham to more than 68 families on Friday, Dec. 16; and hold a holiday party for more than 300 foster children and their families on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the North End Fire Company, 310 Prospect St.

The party will include a magician, balloon maker, face painter, buffet and — of course — Santa.

But none of that happens without your help.

This is where the trees come in.

“Angel Trees” will be set up to collect unwrapped toys at 14 different participating businesses. They are: • Malvern School, 538 N. Lewis Road, Royersford 610-792-8808;

• Manatawny Association, 20 King St., Pottstown 610-326-8840;

• Dana Holding Corp., 1040 Centre Ave., Pottstown;

• Piazza Honda of Pottstown, 629 N. Lewis Road, Limerick 610-495-7076;

• Piazza Hyundai of Limerick, 84 Auto Park Blvd., Limerick 610-495-7076;

• Sea Star Solutions, 640 Lewis Road, Limerick 610495-7011;

• Sign Krafters, 1392 Ben Franklin Highway, Douglassville 484-949-8475;

• Spring-ford Diner, 55 S. Bridge St., Spring City 610792-3404;

•T & N Hair Salon, 1220 N. Hanover St., Pottstown 610-970-1606;

• Traffic Planning and Design, 2500 E. High St., Suite 650, Pottstown 610326-3100;

• Tri-County Toyota, 15 D& L Drive, Limerick 484984-4999;

• U.S. Axel Inc., 275 Shoemaker Road, Pottstown 610-323-3800;

• Vito’s New York Pizza & Deli, 569 W. High St., Pottstown 610-327-3354;

• Comfort Inn, 99 Robinson St., Pottstown 610-3265000.

In addition to unwrapped gifts, organizers are also accepting money donations for food and a scholarship fund, as well as Giant Food Gift Cards.

Those donations can be sent to James Frymoyer, 100 Hillside Dr., Apt. A-4, Pottstown, PA 19464; or to Karen Reed at Piazza Honda, 629 N. Lewis Road, Pottstown, PA 19468.

Call Frymoyer at 484363-0638 or Reed at 610329-0006 for more information of if you need a donation pick-up.

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO The team of volunteers worked many hours last year to provide gifts and a luncheon at Christmas for needy families. The event was led by chairman Charlie Frymoyer and assistant chair Kathy D’Alessandro. Also part of the group were Heather Christman, President of Manatawny Association, Rebecca Gluck and Karen Reed from Piazza Honda.

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO Volunteers finish wrapping gifts for families in need during for last year’s holiday party attended by over 200 adults and children. Piazza Honda and the Manatawny Association co-sponsored the event. They were also treated to lunch provided free by Vito’s Pizza.

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO Children give Rudolph a big hug during last year’s 29th annual holiday party held at the Norco Fire Company. This year’s party will be held at the North End Fire Company in Pottstown.

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO Holiday drive organizer Jim Frymoyer surrounded by some of the food packed up every year at the Manatawny Association.