As the holiday season approaches, the Tomball Fire Department is gathering donations from across the community with plans to help a number of low-income families celebrate Christmas.

TFD is asking for toys, clothes, toiletries and nonperishable food items, said Lisa Griffin, administrative assistant. Donations can be dropped off at either fire station, but other city departments are participating as well, including City Hall on Market Street, the police station on Fannin Street and the Public Works Department on James Street. Departments will be gathering donations now until Dec. 21.

The families involved will be chosen based on referrals made by area schools. Griffin said her goal is to gather enough gifts to adopt 10 families, but hopes to be able to adopt 18 or more.

"The families are my inspiration," she said. "There are people in our community that work really hard and still need help. I love that I can say I am a part of a community that comes together to support those in need."

The fire department has been adopting families around Christmas for many years, said Chief Randy Parr.

"This has gone on for years prior to me arriving here," said Parr, who joined the TFD as its chief in 2004. "What we do through this program is just an extension of the Tomball community as a 'Hometown with a heart.' The effort from the entire city is what allows it to happen."

All gifts and toys should be delivered unwrapped, but the department is also requesting separate donations of wrapping paper, tape and ribbon. Cash donations will be accepted and used to purchase additional items.