They are busy gathering teen-appropriate items to stuff into gift baskets, which will be distributed to low-income families at the Sacred Heart Community Center on Dec. 20.

The association initiated the teen basket program about six years ago to supplement the annual toy giveaway at the community center where clients of the center select items to give to their children.

"They seldom had anything for teens," teen basket coordinator Elaine Benoit said. "We started making gift baskets to fill in. It became wildly popular."

And Benoit isn't exaggerating. When the program started, the volunteers completed 21 baskets. This year, they are shooting for 300.

"It's really blossomed," Benoit said.

About 250 baskets will be created specifically for girls, and crammed with items such as cosmetics, hair accessories, notepads and candy. The remaining 50 baskets will be piled high with items for boys, such as aftershave, playing cards, handheld games.

"We don't get as many donations for boys," Benoit said. "And items for boys, like watches, can be more expensive."

Association members purchase most of the gifts with monetary donations they receive throughout the year.

"It's fun," American Association of University Women member Gloria Leonard said. "I love doing it. It's like being a personal shopper."

Community members and businesses contribute items, as well. This year, PB Teen the adolescent-oriented division of Pottery Barn, donated 300 colorful beach towels to the organization.

"We're thrilled to death," American Association of University Women member Barbara Bettencourt said. "That's a big-ticket item."

Bettencourt is a member of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a community outreach and advocacy group within the American Association of University Women that spearheads the teen basket project and supplies most of the basket assemblers.

"We wrap the baskets in cellophane, so parents can see the items and select the basket they want," Benoit said.

For more information contact Elaine Benoit 408. 268.9137 or drop off donations at AAUW headquarters, 1165 Minnesota Ave. through Dec. 18. The drive is only accepting new items, nothing used.