'Hope for Holidays' lists resources for helping

 The United Way gain is compiling a comprehensive guide for people and organizations wanting 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.

Help — and hope — during the holidays can make a difference in the life of a child, a family in need, a senior citizen or a person with a disability.

Hope comes in a variety of ways: a Thanksgiving turkey, toys for children, warm clothing 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.  

The publication includes a comprehensive list of 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. If your church or organization is providing assistance over the holidays to a family, register the family 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 by calling 752-7266.