by Kevin Street
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

For many, the holiday season is a time for giving thanks and helping others, and this year is no exception. There are several ways to get involved with the community through charitable events in the greater Houston area.

The Wish Tree/UH-Clear Lake
The Multicultural and International Student Services Office is sponsoring a Salvation Army Wish Tree program. People are encouraged to help a child or senior adult who might not receive a gift this year by purchasing two gifts. Individuals interested in the program can go by the office and pick an ornament off the wish tree. Purchasing the gifts written on the back of the ornament will add to the joy of the holiday season for a child or senior citizen. Gifts are due in the Multicultural and International Student Services Office by Dec. 12.

Meals on Wheels
Bay Area Meals on Wheels will provide meals and gift baskets to needy seniors over the Christmas holidays. Gift baskets are delivered about a week before Christmas to ensure that each senior citizen receives one.

Volunteers are needed to help deliver these items. Each driver must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license and insurance.

The volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. at Christus St. John Hospital each day to deliver the meals and baskets. For more information about the Meals on Wheels organization, please call Dorothy Foust at (281) 486-1491.

Share Your Holidays, Dec. 7
The Houston Food Bank has teamed up with ABC's Channel 13 to sponsor the Share Your Holidays Food Drive.

People are encouraged to give non-perishable foods, household items and personal care products. The Houston Police Department Clear Lake Station on Bay Area Boulevard is the nearest drop-off location.

Volunteers are needed to sort donated food and load semi trucks for delivery to the Houston Food Bank. To volunteer, contact Officer Randy Derr at (281) 218-3900.

Another way to help the food drive is at the cash registers at all H-E-B Pantry locations. Customers can purchase coupons that are $1 to $5 donations. This money will go directly to the Houston Food Bank to help others during this season.

The Food Bank works with about 500 organizations around the Houston area. All donations are distributed to assist those in need over the holiday season. For more information about volunteer work or donations, call the Houston Food Bank at (713) 223-3700.

Christmas Eve Dinner
The City Wide Club hosts a Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The organization will provide hot meals, food baskets, toys for children and clothes for the needy. Donations will be collected at all Thrifty Rent-a-Car locations around Houston. Those wanting to donate or volunteer to pass out these items are asked to call the City Wide Club at (713) 523-1640. Toys for Tots

The U.S. Marine Corps is sponsoring its annual Toys for Tots program. Toy collections began in October and will continue until Dec. 22.

These toys will be distributed Dec. 23-24 to children in need this holiday season. Toy collections will be at several locations throughout the Houston area.

Anyone willing to donate toys or wanting more information about the event can contact Sgt. Harry Barnes at (713) 796-1260, ext. 266.

Pasadena Holiday Carnival
A carnival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 8, at the Cleveland Ripley Neighborhood Center, 720 Fairmont Parkway, to benefit the Pasadena community. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Volunteers are needed to set up, staff games and booths, and clean up.

A photographer is needed to take pictures of children with Santa. Small trinkets and toy donations for prizes are also needed.

For more information call (713) 944-9186.

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