Every day, the Mainstreet Daily News team works to deliver quality content that helps you stay safe, cast informed votes and be a better neighbor in Alachua County.

I can think of several recent stories that illustrate this well, including Seth Johnson’s reporting on the GRU referendum, Nick Anschultz’s reporting on the School Board of Alachua County, and Lillian Hamman’s scoop on the sale of Hitchcock’s Markets, which carries implications for food access in rural communities around North Central Florida.

As I scroll through the stories on our site or read the weekly print edition, I see story after story that simply would not exist without Mainstreet.

That’s what we have in mind when we say that Mainstreet – and the members who help make our work possible – is building a stronger community. When people of all political persuasions and socioeconomic levels come to the same place for news and information, it strengthens the social fabric.

But there’s another aspect to that community-building work. Mainstreet has also partnered with a host of local charities to directly help them impact more lives – from smaller, local organizations like Mirror Image Leadership Academy and Bread of the Mighty Food Bank to larger ones like United Way and Life South Community Blood Centers.

This holiday season, we’re partnering with a new organization: Toys for Tots. We have a box at our office off Tower Road, and we would like you to help us fill it for those in need. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy and drop it off with us at 100 NW 76^th Drive, Suite 2, before Dec. 15.

To spur more participation, Mainstreet is adding two incentives to this campaign. First, everyone who donates a toy will be entered to win four tickets and a parking pass to the UF men’s basketball game against Tennessee on Jan. 10.

You do not want to miss this chance to see a top-tier SEC matchup as the Gators defend their national title. Just let our receptionist know you want to be entered for the drawing when you drop off your toy.

The second incentive involves membership. To show our own commitment to giving this holiday season, we will donate 10% of each new Mainstreet membership to Toys for Tots.

Membership plays a vital role in keeping our work going. Mainstreet members get perks including an exclusive monthly email, special event access, and giveaways such as tickets, gift cards and discounts. But most of all, members enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they are helping bring trusted local news to the community – without paywalls and sky-high subscription prices.

We’ve heard many people in the community say they plan to become a member, but for various reasons have not gotten around to it. Well, now is your chance. Join the 820 of your neighbors who have become members, and at the same time, send a portion of your membership to Toys for Tots – plus a chance to watch Gators basketball.