DIXFIELD/PERU- Barbara Lane and her minion of elves will once again be braving the cold December air on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. to help raise donations to benefit the Dixfield Common Food Pantry and the Servant’s Heart Food Pantry of Peru.

“Each year, all we request is that those wishing to donate bring $5 or five non-perishable items for us to split between the two pantries,” noted Lane. “In exchange, each person will get one free t-shirt commemorating the drive. Each year it’s a different design and this year we pushed the envelope and went with a red shirt. It’s going to be really nice.”

There are enough shirts for the first 200 donations, so be there early to get yours.

On Friday, volunteers helping with the drive will be set up for collection in the parking lot of Log Cabin Craftworks in Dixfield and then Saturday, you’ll be able to find the white van at the Peru Fire Station. At the end of the day on Saturday, the volunteers will then divide all of the food items and cash to make an even split to the pantries.

“My mom has once again created a complete outfit for an American Girl-style doll that will be raffled off during the drive,” noted Lane. “Anyone wishing to take a chance can be assured that their donations are going to the pantries, too.”

Over the last six years, Lane’s mother has fashioned a complete outfit for a doll that has been raffled off, and this year is no different, with the addition of a set of bed clothes.

“My mom really enjoys making the doll clothes,” noted Lane. “It’s something she’s always done and we just hope the doll brings a smile to someone’s face.”

When asked why she started the food drive and continues to stand out in the freezing temperatures year after year, Lane stated, “This drive is so much fun for all of us. We get to design a shirt, help some people we don’t even know and others that we do know. I always consider it our gift to the community. My mother has always been a giver and my father was before he passed on. I learned from the best and all of us little elves just want to keep the tradition of giving going.”

Even now, weeks before the drive, Lane’s Eastern Star Chapter has graciously donated funds toward the printing of the shirts, and Lane’s mom, cousin Norine Clark, as well as friends from Peru, Ellsworth and Burnham will be volunteering their time during the drive.