ARLINGTON — Debbie and Randy Howell are hoping that the community continues its generous tradition of giving this holiday season.

The Howells will again be collecting items for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

“We have gotten more each year,” said Debbie Howell. “We want to get the word around and have neighbors tell neighbors.”

The couple, which owns Magic Shears Styling Salon on North Olympic Avenue in downtown Arlington, has been collecting items since 2005 for children undergoing treatment for cancer treatments.

This year, Debbie Howell said she’s hoping that community members will also donate goods and adults can use.

“Hospitals have hardly anything for people when they’re there,” Howell said. “Sometimes they’re there for days and a lot of families go there unprepared.”

Howell said organizers are looking to collect more DVD books, stationary and movies to keep families and patients occupied during their extended visits to the center.

Caps, hats and scarves that adults can wear while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation are also being sought, she said.

The number of items the Howells have collected has increased during the past few years.

“We went from one trunk- full to filling up the backseat and the trunk,” Howell said.

The couple first started the drive after their son Cameron died of cancer.

This year they’re also donating goods in honor of local resident Rhonda Knudson, who passed away in October. Knudson and her husband, Mike, owned the NAPA Auto Parts stores in Arlington and Stanwood.

“When we first started, we did it more for children,” Howell said. “Each year it’s gotten a little bit bigger.”

Magic Shears is located at 306 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington. For more information, call 360-435-3833.