The holidays are a time of tradition, and residents of Ocean Beach have some of the most beloved events in the county right in their own neighborhood. Events in the first week of December include the arrival of the community’s Christmas tree to the foot of Newport Avenue on Dec. 1 at noon, with lights and a star placed on top the following evening. Meanwhile, on Dec. 3, children from area schools will be invited to decorate the enormous pine with handmade decorations from 9 a.m. to noon with Santa in attendance. The biggest draw on the holiday calendar for music fans, however, is also one of the most recent creations: The Ocean Beach Holiday Food and Toy Drive at the OB Farmers Market, scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Coordinated by local musician Chuck Schiele, the music series is in its fifth year. But it has quickly become one of the key holiday gigs for local musicians, each of whom donate their services out of holiday goodwill. Each December, 10 to 15 artists take part each evening, each playing 15-minute sets in an effort to collect non-perishable food items and new, unopened toys for some of the area’s needy families. “These two evenings of music are sort of an add-on to the efforts of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA),” Schiele said. He said the coordination of so many artists and logistics is worth the effort. “People have asked me if putting something like this together is hard, but really it’s not a big headache,” Schiele said. “It’s fun and it always feels good to be able to help the community.” He said booking each date is actually pretty easy. After five years, many local performers already have it on their radar for the holidays. “At this point, there is an overflow of requests for artists wanting to take part,” Schiele said. Among the performers scheduled to perform Dec. 2 are Jefferson Jay, John Miller, Sara Petite, Chelsea Flor and Siren’s Lure. On Dec. 9, the show will include Wendy Bailey, Joe Rathburn and Chris Leyva. Schiele will host and perform each of those Sundays, with Joey Harris, Coco & Lafe and Will Harris among the confirmed performers yet to settle on which of the two dates to perform. Concertgoers will hear a mix of originals and holiday classics. “The performers choose their own selections,” Schiele said. “We do encourage a few holiday tunes in the mix, but it’s up to them and the originals always seem to go down well.” Schiele said the musicians are often among the first to help whenever help is needed. “Not only do all the artists play for free, but many of them also bring items to donate as well,” Schiele said. “When you consider that they also have to deal with traffic, gear and crowds, I’m extremely grateful that so many want to be a part of these concerts.” Seventy families were aided by the 2008 goodwill efforts, according to Claudia Jack of the OBMA, which partners with realty association PLOBRA during the drive. For anyone wishing to contribute, but who can’t make one of the shows, donation boxes have been set up around town, including at Shades Oceanfront Bistro, Pruitt Realty and U.S. Bank. Larger donations to the program can be made by calling Jack at (619) 224-4906. In addition, Union Bank also has an “angel tree” in its lobby. “Customers adopt them [angel ornaments] and then the gifts are brought to the Food & Toy Drive,” Jack said. All the donated items will be collected at the Point Loma Masonic Lodge, with the sorting taking place on Dec. 15, 17 and 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. On Dec. 19 at 9 a.m., organizers begin distributing boxes of cheer. Bailey, who performs on Dec. 9, said the “giving” aspect is most important in the event. “The idea of music being able to help in any small way is awesome,” Bailey said. “Being able to participate in something like this, with so many of my peers, is really nice. But helping the community on top of that makes this feel like something special going in.” For Leyva, the event brings back special holiday memories. “I really look forward to playing every year,” Leyva said. “It makes me think of when I was a child and how special that time of your life is. After all, there’s nothing like being a kid during the holidays.” Leyva considers participation to be partial pay back for his own happy childhood. “I remember how happy I was at Christmas to get a present and what a wonderful feeling that was,” Leyva said. “I would hate to think that a child or family doesn’t have a good holiday. If I can help in any way, I’m in.” Even after five years of organizing these concerts, Schiele said his enthusiasm hasn’t diminished a bit. He said he plans for the musical event to remain a fixture for years to come. “This annual mix of music and giving at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market is a tradition now, and more importantly, it’s a success,” Schiele said. “It works. Last year, attendees donated two truckloads of items for the drive. The idea that this wouldn’t continue is unthinkable.” The free Ocean Beach Holiday Food and Toy Drive event takes place Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market, Newport Avenue and Bacon Street beginning at 4 p.m. The events are open to all ages. For more information, visit www.oceanbeachsandiego.com.