The Corona-Norco Settlement House, a nonprofit agency, is putting together boxes of food and toys for more than 500 local low-income families. The packages of food and gifts are supported by contributions from the community.

"The public's generosity really keeps this organization alive," Sally Carlson, the group's treasurer and secretary, said. "It's the community reaching out to the community."

Volunteers from local churches, clubs, schools and the Corona Fire Department fill the food boxes with fresh chicken, butter, tortillas and donated food. New toys are sorted and wrapped by the volunteers. Last year, about 3,000 toys were wrapped and given away. The food boxes will be distributed Dec. 15, and the toys on Dec. 18.

About 528 families will benefit from the Christmas program, which began taking sign-ups in November. Low-income families may also register for the Adopt-A-Family Program, in which the public can "adopt" a family for the holidays and give them food and gifts. Families cannot be involved in both programs.

Corona High School classes and clubs have been involved with the Adopt-A-Family program for more than five years.

"It's such a good Samaritan thing to do," the school's activities director, Owen Crosby, said. "It gives the kids a chance to give back to the community."

On top of the holiday programs, the organization operates a food pantry year-round. Families are allowed one bag of groceries a month. It also manages a thrift store, offers free clothing to the homeless and runs a back-to-school program in partnership with the Corona-Norco PTA.

Settlement House was begun in 1912 by the First Baptist Church of Corona to teach, clothe and feed migrant workers. The organization has survived over the years on donations. Its two staff members are paid by the income generated by the thrift store. The remaining revenue brought in by the store is donated.

"Just about every dollar donated goes to the community," said Michelle Watts, an administrative assistant for the organization. "That's what's great about the operation."

The organization has run into problems over the years with a lack of funds, but Carlson says the people it helps are worth all the frustration.

"It feels good to help people when they're down," Carlson said. "Maybe by helping them, they'll be able to help themselves or someone else."

Corona-Norco Settlement House is at 507 S. Vicentia Ave., Corona. Office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call (909) 737-3504 for information.

Reach Nicole Buzzard at (909) 737-1366 or nbuzzard@pe.com