I'm hoping people are just taking "island time" a little too seriously this year.

The city's first responders in charge of the Toy Round Up have told us this is the worst year yet for collection of toys to give to families that, without the toy drive, will not have presents under the tree Christmas morning.

So, folks, we're in the homestretch and it's time to ante up.

New, unwrapped toys for tots to teens will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 17.

The Toy Round Up, and the VFW's Care and Share Drive to collect food so these families will have a Christmas dinner, are two of the best, most direct ways you can help fellow residents of Port Aransas. Nothing is taken out of cash donations to either drive for administrative or operational costs. Every single item you give and every dime you donate goes to the families for which they are intended.

Even if you've only got $5 to spare, it will make a difference. It can buy a

toy or some lipstick for a teenager. That $5 can buy canned goods that will complete a holiday meal.

Don't let Christmas morning roll around with you sitting in your living room surrounded by gaily wrapped packages containing something you may want, but probably don't need, and leave a kid with nothing to unwrap.

Toys may be left at the police department, EMS office, Family Center IGA, ValueBank Texas and The University of Texas Marine Science Institute administration office.

Cash donations may be taken to city hall or the EMS office, or mailed to the EMS at 705 W. Ave. A, Port Aransas, TX 78373.

Do it now - by Monday at the latest.

Give yourself the best Christmas present of all - the gift of having made someone happy.

It doesn't get any better than that.

Mary Henkel Judson is editor and copublisher of the South Jetty. Contact her at southjetty@centurytel.net.