NEWS

Numerous agencies need donations this holiday season

Staff report

NEWARK-There are many options for Licking County residents interested in making donations to give back this season.

People living in Licking County who want more information about holiday assistance, resources or volunteer opportunities should call Pathways of Central Ohio at 211 or 800-544-1601. Information also can be found at referweb.net/chic.

Holiday drives

•Families Helping Families

74 S. Second St., Newark, 740-670-8714

How to donate: Licking County Job and Family Services is collecting toys and financial donations for children and senior citizens in need of Christmas gifts. For more information, email Kari Matheny at lcfhf@jfs.ohio.gov or call 740-670-8714.

•Center for New Beginnings Holiday Drive

60 N. First St., Newark; 740-349-8719

The center is accepting general donations of toys, gifts for women, personal hygiene items, coats, gift cards and cash. Call to schedule a drop-off. Donate unwrapped gifts by Dec. 18.

•Elves in Action food drive

Food Pantry Network of Licking County, Licking County Courthouse Square; 740-344-7401

How to donate: Bring cash donations and food items to the Square from 6 to 8 p.m. daily Nov. 29 through Dec. 24.

•Hanover Volunteer Fire Department holiday food and toy drive

Hanover Fire Department Station 80, 198 New Home Drive, Hanover; 740-763-4674

How to donate: The drive will kick off with an event from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6. Cocoa and Santa will be at the Marne Station from 1 to 2 p.m. and at the Hanover Station from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. along with other activities. Bring nonperishable food and new or gently used toys, excluding stuffed animals, to the station on New Home Drive by Dec. 20. Hanover Station 804 and Mary Ann Township fire stations also will be drop-off locations. The Marne United Methodist Church will help distribute collected items to families in the area.

•YES Club gift drive

100 E. Church St., Newark; 740-522-0937

How to donate: Drop off unwrapped gifts for youths ages 11 to 18 at the YES Club between noon and 6 p.m. weekdays before Dec. 14.

•Licking County Aging Program gift bag donation program

1058 E. Main St., Newark; 740-345-0821

How to donate: Drop off or send monetary donations to the Aging Program between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

•Home Instead Senior Care’s Be a Santa to a Senior program

1893 Columbus Road, Granville; 740-321-3330

How to donate: Christmas trees with names of seniors and their gift requests will be in Granville at the Home Instead Office, 1893 Columbus Road, Ross’ Granville Market, 484 S. Main St., and Granville Senior Center, 3825 Columbus Road. Shoppers can pick an ornament, buy the items on the list and return them wrapped or unwrapped to the store with the ornament attached by Dec. 10.

•Mental Health America of Licking County drive

65 Messimer Drive, Newark; 740-522-1341

How to donate: Drop off gift cards for gas, iTunes, fast food, groceries, toiletries and office supplies at Mental Health America of Licking County’s office until Dec. 18. Email jgoddard@mhalc.org for more information or to schedule a drop-off. Monetary donations can be made at mhalc.org.

•Newark Division of Police toy drive

39 S. Fourth St., Newark; 740-670-7215

How to donate: Drop off new and gently used toys for kids age 10 and younger through Dec. 24 at the lobby of the Newark Division of Police or Matthews Ford, 500 Hebron Road, Heath, or call to arrange a pick up. The department also will accept money.

•Salvation Army

250 E. Main St., Newark; 740-345-8120

How to donate: The Salvation Army is looking for people to adopt children or families and buy them gifts for the holidays. To adopt a child or family, contact the Salvation Army or use the Angel Trees before Dec. 18 at Indian Mound Mall; Park National Bank, 50 N. Third St., Newark; Stacey’s Homestyle Buffet, 833 S. 30th St., Heath; Applebee’s, 967 Hebron Rd, Heath; and any TrueCore Federal Credit Union location. There also is a special tree at J.C. Penney, 771 S. 30th St., Indian Mound Mall, Heath, that offers people the opportunity to buy coats, hats, socks, scarves or gloves and then return them to the store to be given to the Salvation Army.

•Mancan Inc. coat drive

616 Hebron Road, Unit C, Heath; 740-522-0234

How to donate: Drop off new or gently used coats at Mancan’s office or call to arrange a pickup before Dec. 18. Monetary donations also are accepted.

•Buckeye Lake Fire Department toy drive

10920 Walnut Road SE, Buckeye Lake; 740-928-3473

How to donate: The department is collecting toys and cash donations for children in need. Items can be dropped off at the station anytime after 8 a.m.

•West Licking Professional Firefighters Local 3025 toy drive

851 E. Broad St., Pataskala, 7125 Mink St., Pataskala or 120 N. Fourth St., Kirkersville; 740-927-8600

How to donate: Donations of toys, blankets, pillows and cash donations will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.