Despite the popularity of online purchasing, despite the fact that — no surprise — nearly 40 percent of consumers no longer wait for Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales, today still remains the kickoff for the holiday shopping season for many of us.

But not only does the aroma of stuffed turkey and pumpkin pie signal the start of the annual shopping scramble — it heralds in the giving season.

For yes, despite record employment and our booming economy, Santa continues to need a helping hand here in Lee County to make sure all the kids on his “good” list get a little something in their stocking. To that end, a number of groups and organizations are holding toy drives.

Among them here in the Cape are the Cape Coral Fire and Police departments.

Beginning today, the CCFD is accepting new toys, gifts and gift cards at all 11 fire stations throughout the city.

Unwrapped donations for children of all ages – that’s from birth through 17 – are being accepted through Dec. 16 at collection boxes at the following fire stations:

* Station 1 4610 Coronado Parkway

* Station 2 701 Nicholas Parkway

* Station 3 1627 Everest Parkway

* Station 4 2007 Santa Barbara Blvd.

* Station 5 1029 Diplomat Parkway

* Station 6 4540 Chiquita Parkway

* Station 7 3942 Burnt Store Road N

* Station 8 707 SW 1st St.

* Station 9 4107 Pelican Blvd.

* Station 10 3623 Gator Circle West

* Station 11 – 1038 Burnt Store Road N.

The CCPD, meanwhile, will hold its 13th annual Fill the Boat Toy Drive the first weekend in December.

Donation dates and locations are:

* Friday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Target at 1890 N.E. Pine Island Road

* Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Walmart at 1619 Del Prado Boulevard South.

* Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Walmart at 1619 Del Prado Boulevard South.

To paraphrase Burl Ives, it is we who are Santa’s elves, and it is we, as a community, who can make the upcoming holiday a little brighter for a child in need.

Please consider, as you are shopping for family and friends, picking up an additional item or two if you are able.

Our thanks to our first responders who organize these drives.

And our thanks — our most profuse thanks — to those who each year make these drives and others like them a success.

– Breeze editorial