Publication provides guide for holiday help

The United Way has put together a comprehensive guide for local residents and organizations who want to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors by providing "hope for the holidays."

To better reach out to needy families in the community and reduce duplication of services, local agencies are coordinating their wish lists to provide a convenient way to help others.

Hope comes in a variety of ways: a Thanksgiving turkey, toys for children, warm mittens for people who are homeless and many other ideas included in the United Way publication "Hope for the Holidays."

Hope also comes in the form of volunteerism, and volunteer opportunities during the holidays also are listed.

The publication gives practical information about meeting needs during the holiday season and includes a calendar of events and activities. Some of the ideas include sponsoring a Thanksgiving Dinner for a needy family, adopting a family for the holidays or providing gifts for children.

The publication includes a comprehensive listing of local helping organizations and what they need to make the holidays happy for those who need help.

The Flathead Food Bank (752-3663) is the designated coordinating organization for Thanksgiving, while the Salvation Army (257-4357) is the coordinating agency for Christmas. Churches or organization providing assistance over the holidays to families are urged to register the families by calling the coordinating agency.

By compiling a centralized resource publication, the United Way hopes to help more children and families through the holidays this year.

Copies of "Hope for the Holidays" are available through the local United Way office. Call 752-7266 or pick up a copy at 40 Appleway Drive in Kalispell.