Catholic Charities North is asking all charitable givers to donate to families in need. With only $10 you can add some holiday cheer to a family this season. Please request a profile for a family, then you will be sent a brown paper bag and a list of items to fill it. Larger amounts will go a long way toward filling an oil tank or making a rental payment to keep a family in their home this winter.

For more information visit the website of Catholic Charities North by clicking here.

A popular holiday gift giving campaign that has delivered thousands of presents to local, needy seniors over the past four years is again under way for this holiday season.  Each year Home Instead Senior Care offices spread holiday cheer to lonely or financially-challenged seniors through the "Be a Santa to a Senior" program.

Home Instead Senior Care partners with non-profit and community organizations to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season.  The company then works with local businesses and retail stores to help facilitate the purchase and distribution of gifts by placing trees and ornaments within their various locations.  Each senior's gift requests are written on a "Be a Santa to a Senior" tree ornament.

To find a location to pick up a "Be a Santa to a Senior" tree ornament or for more information please visit their website at www.beasantatoasenior.com.

Catholic Charities North will be hosting a Children's Toy Party on December 14th from 11 AM to 1 PM at Colman Hall, St. John's Parish Center in Swampscott. Bring your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces to a celebration of giving. Admission is free with a gift toward our Christmas Giving Program. Children of all ages will enjoy cookies, cocoa, Christmas music, and having their picture taken with Santa.

Each year Catholic Charities North helps more than 500 families during the month of December. They receive Christmas gifts for the children and often a gift card to help purchase groceries for a holiday meal. All of the items donated by friends of Catholic Charities, including individuals, local businesses, and parishes. You can join them by bringing a gift to the toy party. Items needed include: gift cards to local grocery stores, diapers and wipes, educational toys, games or school supplies for an infant or child younger than 12.

For more information or any questions please call (781) 593-2312 or email Sarah Bartley at sarah_bartley@ccab.org. You may also visit the Catholic Charities website at www.ccab.org.

HAWC will be holding their annual holiday store for their clients December 1st through the 12th from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Donations can be dropped off at the Salem office at 27 Congress St., Suite 201.

In light of the current economy, we would like to encourage our holiday store supporters to consider contributing to a family's heating and utility expenses this winter. Gas cards would also be greatly appreciated. You can download the complete Holiday Store Wish List to see other ways you can help HAWC families this holiday season by clicking here.

If you have questions about donations or volunteering please contact Hannah at (978) 744-2299 ext 11 or email her at hannahm@hawcdv.org.