The Salvation Army kettles and bell-ringers are already out, and the Kiwanis-sponsored Giving Tree event is set to begin Monday, Nov. 29.

David Olson, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Snoqualmie Valley, told the North Bend City Council about the holiday giving activities at its Nov. 16 meeting.

Families can sign up for help from the Giving Tree program at Sterling Savings Bank and the Mount Si Food Bank. Gifts will be distributed to the families Dec. 16 and 17, and so all donations should be in by around Dec. 14.

Councilman David Cook said Cook Real Estate would also be accepting new, unwrapped gifts to be donated to the Giving Tree, in partnership with the Snoqualmie Valley Kiwanis Club.

Residents can bring toys to the Cook Building, 102 W. North Bend Way in downtown North Bend.

Toys must be received by Sunday, Dec. 14.

At the close of the council meeting, Mayor Ken Hearing urged everyone to consider a donation.

“We need to think about this all the time, but particularly at this time of year, we need to think about those less fortunate,” he said.