As the holiday season draws near, various groups around town are working to take care of families in need with food and toy drives, meals and gift certificates. Here are some local drives and events taking place:
Thanksgiving meals
Buckhead Christian Ministry
The ministry distributes gift certificates for families in need to purchase food for a Thanksgiving meal. Visit buckheadchristianministry.org or call 404-239-0058 for information on donating.
Dunwoody United Methodist
The church at 1548 Mount Vernon Road sponsors a free Thanksgiving breakfast open to the community. For more information, call 770-542-1663.
Sandy Springs United Methodist
Volunteers cook and serve turkeys with dressing, potatoes and green beans to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for homeless people, needy families and anyone else who shows up on Thanksgiving Day, said Lara Ferguson, minister of music and communications. The dinner this year is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the fellowship hall. The Church is located at 86 Mount Vernon Highway NW. For more information, call 404-255-1181.
Community Assistance Center of Sandy Springs and Dunwoody
The Community Assistance Center distributes grocery store gift cards to help families with their holiday dinners. Donors may deliver $10, $20 or $30 cards to the center or donate online. For more information, visit www.ourcac.org or call 770-552-4889.
Holiday gift programs
Buckhead Christian Ministry
During the second week of December, the ministry provides gifts for children through its Joyous Toys store. Parents sign up for gift certificates that they can use to buy gifts for their children. Toys are donated. The ministry also provides an opportunity for donors to “adopt” a struggling family for Christmas. To volunteer, go to buckheadchristianministry.org.
Community Assistance Center of Sandy Springs and Dunwoody
The Community Assistance Center distributes donated holiday gifts to local families in need through its Adopt-a-Family program, designed for families who have received assistance from the center during the year. For information, visit www.ourcac.org.
Dunwoody Police Department
Dunwoody police are collecting toys for the department’s Christmas For Kids program. Donors may drop off unwrapped presents at the department’s tent during “Light Up Dunwoody” on Nov. 23 or through Dec. 1 at police headquarters and various businesses in Dunwoody. For more information, visit dunwoodyga.gov.
Sandy Springs Fire Department
Sandy Springs’ four fire stations are taking unwrapped toys for the North Perimeter Optimist Club’s Children’s Christmas Party. Donations may be made until Dec. 9 at: Fire Station #1, 1425 Spalding Drive; Fire Station #2, 135 Johnson Ferry Road; Fire Station #3, 6025 Raider Drive; Fire Station #4, 4697 Wieuca Road. Toys are needed that are suitable for boys and girls ages 3 to 12.