Holiday Helping: Ways to share your heart, more in community this season

Each year, The Bee runs a list of organizations that sponsor programs for the those less fortunate in our Holiday Helping feature. We'll run a list of such programs, inviting others to donate goods, services or money, through Dec. 23, inside the Sunday LifeStyles section. If your organization is sponsoring such a program, send us your requests. Submissions should include:

• Organization and program name

• Date and time when program takes place

• Items needed (if taking monetary donations, note to whom checks should be made payable)

• Drop-off location and/or mailing address

• Deadline for donations

• Contact name and phone number

E-mail information to jfarrow@modbee.com with "Holiday Helping" in the subject field, or fax to (209) 578-2207, Attn: Deke Farrow.

Here are two programs to kick off Holiday Helping this year:

HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE: The Salvation Army, Modesto Citadel will be accepting applications for Christmas holiday assistance beginning Monday, Nov. 26, and ending on Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays only. Low-income families residing in Modesto, Ceres, Salida or Empire may apply at 625 I St., Modesto.

For additional information, call The Salvation Army Social Services department at (209) 523-7577.

TOY DRIVE: Toys bring smiles and happiness to kids. The Salvation Army's annual Holiday Toy Drive needs your help. The goal is to help 3,500 kids. The need is 6,000 new, unwrapped toys for children between the ages of newborn and 12 years. It's easy and fun to help.

• Grab a big box and decorate it. Place a Salvation Army flyer on the box. Display the box at work, at a club or a church group meeting.

• Drop off a toy at a participating business. Call The Salvation Army for locations.

• Host a new, unwrapped toy drive at your place of employment. Let your co-workers and customers know with flyers or e-mails. Your co-workers and customers will feel the warmth of the Christmas spirit by helping children.

• If your civic group or club is having a holiday gathering, ask members to bring toys for The Salvation Army Toy Drive. Have fun and feel great about sharing Christmas joy with a child.

To participate or for more information, contact Maj. Beth Paugh at (209) 522-3209 or at beth.paugh@usw.salvationarmy.org.