Historic downtown McKinney is already beginning to don its holiday decor as the season begins to kick into high gear. But despite the abundance of its traditional holiday transformation, McKinney Main Street feels something is missing—a real, 30-foot pine Christmas tree.

McKinney Christmas Tree–A Gift to the Community is a fundraising campaign  underway through Nov. 6 to help raise funds to cover the costs associated with importing the tree from Michigan, as well as its decorations. For a minimum tax deductible donation of $50 to the campaign, families and organizations will receive recognition at the Christmas tree display throughout the holidays. The first 100 donors who contribute a minimum of $50 will receive a commemorative keepsake ornament.

“We are so excited to have the Christmas tree in downtown’s square this year,” said Amy Rosenthal, director of the McKinney Performing Arts Center and Main Street in a news release. “We want the community to think of this tree as a gift for the entire community. It will serve as a beautiful backdrop for holiday photos and be a sight for the entire family to enjoy.”

Tree-lighting program and donation information is available online at www.downtownmckinney.com.

Also coming to downtown for the first time is a drop-off location for WFAA Channel 8 Santa's Helpers Toy Drive from 5—10:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7 on Kentucky Street next to the McKinney Performing Arts Center.

Santa's Helpers collects new, unwrapped toys for more than 50,000 children in need from age infant through teen inDallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties. McKinney has been designated as Collin County's drop-off city. Approved community service organizations including the Salvation Army of McKinney, the Assistance Center of Collin County and Frisco Family Services will distribute the toys collected in McKinney to Collin County recipients.

Residents, schools, churches, service organizations and businesses are encouraged to collect toys and decorate their vehicles to come through the drive-thru line on Dec. 7.

For more information on WFAA Channel 8 Santa's Helpers Toy Drive, visit www.mckinneytexas.org.