Dozens of collection barrels for the Brentwood Regional Community Chest have been placed around far East County, and they’re already attracting attention.

The annual drive to provide food and toys for 500 local families began in earnest Nov. 1, as participating businesses have provided brightly wrapped barrels ready to receive non-perishable food and new, unwrapped presents. The community is encouraged help with the sorting on Dec. 17 and the distribution on Dec. 18, both events taking place at Brentwood Elementary School, 200 Griffith Lane.

To request a donation barrel, or to report one that’s full and ready to be picked up, call 925-820-8296.

The barrels can be found at the following locations:

BRENTWOOD

Actus Chiropractic, 9030 Brentwood Blvd., Suite D

Brentwood Self-Storage, 190 Sand Creek Road

Centro Mart, 7820 Brentwood Blvd.

Bank of the West, 4540 Balfour Road

Bank of Agriculture & Commerce, 740 First St.

Chamber of Commerce, 8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C

Willy’s Bagels & Blends, 1155 Second St., Suite D

Fire Station 54, 739 First St.

Patelco Credit Union, 5631 Lone Tree Way

Rubia Salon and Spa, 2440 Sand Creek Road, Suite 1

Charlie’s Subs, 6660 Lone Tree Way, Suite 1

ECC Bank, 390 West Country Club Drive

Brentwood Auto – NAPA, 7885 Brentwood Blvd.

U.S. Post Office, 18 Oak St.

City Hall, 708 Third St. or 104 Oak St.

Bank of America, 241 Oak St.

Prudential Real Estate, 2510 Sand Creek Road

Los Medanos College, 101 Sand Creek Road

Monthly Grapevine, 9040 Brentwood Blvd., Suite B

Harvest Park Bowl, 5000 Balfour Road

Food Maxx, 4440 Balfour Road

Eskaton Lodge, 450 John Muir Parkway

Marsh Creek Apartments, 7251 Brentwood Blvd.

Brentwood Police Station Lobby, 9100 Brentwood Blvd.

John Muir Medical Center, 2400 Balfour Road

First Bank, 6590 Lone Tree Way

Dr. John Esterkyn, 1145 Second St., Suite F

Dainty Center/Willow Wood School, 1265 Dainty Ave.

BYRON

U.S. Post Office, 3345 Bixler Road

DISCOVERY BAY

Bank of Agriculture & Commerce, 14804 Highway 4, Suite A

Fire Station 59, 1685 Bixler Road

U.S. Post Office, 3352 Main St.