MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Every year at this time, the county and city of Milwaukee team up for a fundraising effort to help a specific cause or group. This year, the Holiday Drive is turning its focus toward families who have been displaced from their homes due to fires. 

The announcement means the Holiday Drive will help the local arm of the American Red Cross. Organizers are looking for donations of money and essential items for those fire survivors who need to rebuild their lives. 

"The fire department, who has done everything they possibly can, is sort of at the end of the line of what they can do in that moment to help that family," said Chief Lipski. "So, we get on the radio, and we call our dispatcher, 'Please have the Red Cross come.'" 

"Those simple items, shampoo, soap, a toothbrush, a stuffed animal, so more than meet physical needs. They bring comfort to children, restore dignity to adults and remind families that someone cares and they're not alone," said Catherine Rabenstine, regional CEO for the Red Cross. 

The Holiday Drive runs through Dec. 8. If you can help, here's a look at the list of the drop-off locations: