Audience members for Arts & Lectures’ two holiday shows — Mariachi Sol de México in José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas at the Arlington Theatre Dec. 6, and Samara Joy’s A Joyful Holiday Dec. 8 at The Granada Theatre — are invited to donate to United Way’s annual Holiday Gift Drive.

Tickets to both shows are available now from UCSB Arts & Lectures, 805-893-3535 and via the Arlington and Granada box offices.

Attendees can arrive early to the Dec. 8 show for a Holiday Sing-in at featuring the SBCC Choral Program, directed by Nathan Kreitzer, and the Allan Hancock College Choir, directed by Dr. Nichole Dechaine. The sing-in is a UCSB Arts & Lectures Thematic Learning Initiative event.

To donate to the Holiday Gift Drive, attendees can bring new, unwrapped gift items to the performances, where they will be collected for distribution by United Way of Santa Barbara County.

Appropriate gift items may include stuffed animals, art supplies, sports balls, books, general toys (Legos, Hot Wheels, Barbies, Pokemon and board games), and pre-purchased gift cards.

United Way staff members will also take cash or credit card donations onsite from audience members who choose to donate toward a holiday gift or gift card.

“We are honored to once again support United Way of Santa Barbara County with their gift drive,” said Celesta Billeci, Miller McCune executive director at UCSB Arts & Lectures. “We know your contributions will add to the holiday joy for Santa Barbara County youth in need.”

“We are grateful for our partnership with UCSB Arts & Lectures and their continued support of United Way’s annual gift drive,” said Steve Ortiz, CEO of United Way of Santa Barbara County.

“For many of the participating families, these are some of the only gifts they will be able to provide their children this year,” he said. “We are thankful for the generosity of our community as they come together to create an extra special holiday season for our neighbors in need.”