People Helping People is a list of charitable causes in our area that need donations or volunteers. The Beacon Journal has not investigated these causes, so donors should verify their worthiness and the tax-deductibility of contributions.

The Beacon Journal will again help match charities with supporters with its annual People Helping People listing. The feature helps nonprofit organizations advertise their needs and helps readers find causes they'd like to help.

Charitable efforts need not be holiday-related to be listed. However, the listings are only for groups and individuals seeking to help others. People asking for help for themselves will not be included.

Only organizations located in or serving Summit, Stark, Portage, Medina and Wayne counties will be included.

Nonprofit organizations and causes may submit information here. (Note: The form works only with Internet Explorer.)

For questions, contact 330-996-3756 or mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com.

Before you write a check to a charity or sign up for a volunteer stint, find out a bit about the cause you intend to support by reading our tips on giving.

Salvation Army-Barberton Area, 560 Wooster Road W., Barberton, OH 44203, is a Christian community that shares the Gospel, helps believers grow in their faith, provides for human needs and brings hope to the community. It needs volunteers to ring bells at kettle locations in Barberton and Norton.

Volunteers are asked to work at least a three-hour shift. Shifts are available from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays through Dec. 24, except Thanksgiving Day. Minimum age is 14, or younger with supervision (families welcome). Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

YMCA, Bethany Child Care, 1235 Broad Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223, provides programs designed to build healthy spirits, minds and bodies. It needs volunteers to help prepare Thanksgiving dinner for children and parents from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Duties include setting up, helping to prepare and serve food, helping with cleanup and taking down tables and chairs. Minimum age is 18. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Salvation Army of Summit County, 190 S. Maple St., Akron, OH 44302, is an evangelical Christian organization that preaches the Gospel and meets human needs. It needs volunteers to do the following:

• Help register and process families seeking Christmas assistance. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Minimum age is 17.

• Ring the bell for the Red Kettle Campaign. Musicians and vocalists are also welcome to participate. Volunteers are especially needed on weekdays. Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays through Dec. 24, except Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers are asked to work at least a three-hour shift. Minimum age is 14, or younger with supervision (families welcome).

• Assist with packing and tagging toys for needy children. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 11 and 12, and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 15-17. Minimum age is 14, or 10 with adult supervision.

• Pack food boxes for families, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 13, or until finished. Minimum age is 14, or 10 with adult supervision.

• Assist with Toy Shop setup, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 15-17. Minimum age is 14, or 10 with adult supervision.

• Assist with toy distribution, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 18 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 19-20. Minimum age is 14, or 10 with adult supervision.

Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Friends of Pets, P.O. Box 813, Akron, OH 44309, is dedicated to the care and welfare of displaced, abandoned and surrendered cats and dogs. It needs volunteers to help with its gift-wrapping fundraiser Nov. 28-Dec. 24. Volunteers work four-hour shifts between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Minimum age is 18, or 16 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Akron Pregnancy Services, 105 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308, is a Christian-based, nonprofit, nonpolitical agency that serves people facing pregnancy-related decisions. It needs volunteers to ''adopt'' clients or families by providing gifts of new clothing and toys for Christmas. Wish lists and basic information will be provided.

Deadline for volunteering is Nov. 26. Gifts must be wrapped, labeled and delivered to the agency by Dec. 12. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

City of Akron Recreation Bureau, 220 S. Balch St., Akron, OH 44302, provides safe and affordable recreational opportunities for Akron residents. It needs volunteers to serve as parade marshals and help with check-in during Akron's Welcome Santa Holiday Parade from 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 29.

Parade marshals' duties include showing units their lineup locations, making sure all units are present and maintaining uniform spacing between units during the parade. Check-in volunteers' duties include checking in units as they arrive, instructing them on their staging areas and picking up cones off the street after the parade.

All volunteers must have reliable transportation. Minimum age is 18. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Violet's Cupboard, 655 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310, strives to improve the quality of life and enhance the dignity of daily living for people with HIV/AIDS. It is seeking donors to ''adopt'' families or individuals for Christmas. First names, genders, ages, sizes and gift ideas will be provided. Nonperishable foods and gift cards are acceptable.

Deadline for volunteering is Dec. 1. All gifts must be left unwrapped and delivered to the agency by Dec. 10. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Project Ed Bear is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing comforts and needs for pediatric patients throughout Northeast Ohio. The group will hold its 14th annual auction Dec. 1 at the Radisson Hotel Akron City Centre.

It needs auction donations, sponsorships ranging from $50 to $1,000 and cash donations in any amount. In addition, it is seeking items to fill gift bags for 20 children battling cancer who will be VIPs that evening.

Contact Susan Summerville at 330-714-8839 or susan@projectedbear.org. Information is at http://www.projectedbear.org.

Akron Urban League, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, OH 44307, is a nonprofit social-service agency that seeks to improve the economic, cultural, social, educational and recreational conditions affecting all citizens of Summit County, particularly minorities and those most in need. The agency is seeking volunteers to do the following:

• Prepare Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need from 9 a.m. to noon Friday and distribute them from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

• Help with a Dining With Santa event for children from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 20. Duties include assisting with arts and crafts, preparing and serving breakfast, and distributing toys.

Minimum age for both volunteer opportunities is 18, or 16 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Big Brothers & Sisters of Portage County, 220 W. Main St., Ravenna, OH 44266, matches children 6-14 years old with adult volunteers who act as friends, mentors and role models. The agency's goal is to recruit five big brothers and five big sisters by Thanksgiving.

Volunteers are carefully screened and are matched with boys and girls who share some of their interests. A big brother or sister makes a commitment to visit the child 12 hours a month for at least one year.

Call 330-296-6655 or e-mail info@bbsportage.org. Information is at http://www.bbsportage.org.

Community Pregnancy Center, 1058 Wooster Road W., Barberton, OH 44203, is a Christian charity that assists those concerned about pregnancy. It needs volunteers to help sort and clean clothes and to help clients pick out clothes in the Christmas Room from Dec. 3-21. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays and noon-2:30 p.m. Fridays. Minimum age is 12, or 8 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Pregnancy Care of Summit County, 195 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, OH 44310, provides free programs and services for women who are faced with unexpected, untimely or crisis pregnancies. The agency is seeking donations of these items for its Christmas distribution program: baby bibs; baby blankets or receiving blankets; bottles and nipples; baby cereal and food; baby towels and washcloths; baby wipes; clothing including one-piece bodysuits, underwear, outfits, sleepers, sweaters, winter coats and snowsuits (infant and children's sizes 6 months to 4T, especially 2T, 3T, 4T); crib sheets; diapers (especially sizes 3, 4 and 5); powdered formula (Isomil and Similac); and gift cards or gift certificates to purchase needed items. All items must be new.

Deadline is Dec. 5. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Project GRAD Akron, 65 Steiner Ave., Akron, OH 44301, works to promote student achievement in the Akron schools' Buchtel cluster. It needs volunteers from 8 to 11 a.m. or 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 to help with Snacks & Educational Fun with Santa, an event for elementary-school children. The event features holiday-themed literacy and math centers, crafts, and a picture and visit with Santa. Minimum age is 18. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Second 8th Week World Wide Apostolic Assemblies-Ohio, 1361 Copley Road, Akron, OH 44320, provides food, clothing, housing, education and furniture to people in need, as well as educational services that build self-esteem and help people manage money and stress, learn about diversity and improve coping skills. It needs volunteers to help organize, label and distribute toys from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6. Minimum age is 16. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Fairlawn Lutheran Church, 3415 W. Market St., will hold a Come to the Manger live Nativity and toy and winter coat drive, 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 6. Community members are invited to donate gently used coats and packaged toys. The event will include a display of Nativity sets from around the world, puppet shows, refreshments and activities for all ages. Call Jeffery Moeller, 330-836-7286.

OPEN M, 941 Princeton St., Akron, OH 44311, works to heal the sick, feed the hungry, nurture children, build families and strengthen the community. It needs volunteers to do the following:

• ''Adopt'' needy families for Christmas through its Gifts of Love program. First names, sizes, gift ideas and family needs will be provided. Deadline for volunteering is Dec. 8. Volunteers are asked to buy, wrap and label gifts and deliver them to OPEN M by Dec. 10.

• Assist with the Gifts of Love program from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 18. Activities include wrapping gifts, assembling gifts into piles, taking pictures, checking people in and placing food in baskets. Minimum age is 18. In addition, volunteers are needed to help families locate gifts and take gifts to their vehicles. Volunteers must be able to lift large or heavy items. Minimum age is 18, or 16 with adult supervision.

Deadline for volunteering is Dec. 15. Call Tiffany Stahl, 330-434-0110, Ext. 409.

Mental Health America of Summit County, 405 Tallmadge Road, Second Floor, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, provides advocacy, education and referrals to promote mental health, eliminate stigma and help people overcome mental illness. It is seeking volunteers to ''adopt'' families for the holidays. Information for each family is provided.

Deadline for volunteering is Dec. 11. Items should be wrapped, labeled and delivered to the agency by Dec. 19. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

East Akron Community House's Life Link Outreach Program, 550 S. Arlington St., Akron, OH 44306, works to increase access to early prenatal care and decrease the proportion of babies in Summit County who are born with a low weight. The Life Link Early Start Program provides parent education and support aimed at the prevention and early detection of developmental delays and disabilities.

The program is seeking volunteers to ''adopt'' needy families during the holidays. Wish lists will be available until Dec. 12, including items, sizes and ages of family members. All gifts need to be wrapped, labeled and delivered to the agency by Dec. 22. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Catholic Social Services of Summit County, 640 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310, provides mental health and social services for Summit County families and individuals, particularly those lacking the financial, social or emotional resources for viable participation in the community.

The agency needs volunteers to help prepare, serve and clean up a Christmas dinner for the homeless and needy. Hours are 2-6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 17. Minimum age is 12, or 10 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Info Line Inc., 703 S. Main St., No. 211, Akron, OH 44311, provides people in need with access to services. It needs volunteers to do the following:

• ''Adopt'' families or individuals in need by donating holiday gifts and/or nonperishable food or food gift cards. Information for each family or individual will be provided. Deadline for volunteering is Dec. 12. Items should be wrapped, labeled and delivered no later than Dec. 19.

• Take requests over the telephone from clients in need of holiday assistance and enter the information into a computer database. Training will be provided. Volunteers are asked to work at least a two-hour shift every week through Dec. 19. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Minimum age is 18.

Child Guidance & Family Solutions, 312 Locust St., Akron, OH 44302, assists with the behavioral health needs of children, families and adults in Summit County. It is seeking individuals, families, companies or groups to ''adopt'' families for the holiday.

Donors will receive first names, ages, sizes and specific needs and wants of all family members. Wrapped and labeled gifts must be delivered to the agency by Dec. 22. For those who don't wish to shop, gift cards for gas, groceries and discount stores are welcome.

Contact Kimberly Martell, 330-762-4559 or martk@cgfs.org. Information is at http://www.cgfs.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, 889 Jonathan Ave., Akron, OH 44306, works to inspire and enable young people to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. It needs volunteers to separate and wrap gifts and to set up for a Christmas party from noon-4 p.m. Dec. 19. Minimum age is 18, or 16 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Williard Food Pantry, Williard United Church of Christ, 742 Johnston St., Akron, OH 44306, provides food twice a month to people in need. It needs volunteers to help with its Christmas basket program by setting up the morning of Dec. 19 or assembling the baskets from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Minimum age is 14, or 10 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

LifeCenter Plus Health & Fitness Center, 5133 Darrow Road, Hudson, is collecting food for OPEN M, a nondenominational community outreach, during its Pack the Pool with Food event, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 20. Participants are invited to bring a canned, boxed or durable food item. The goal is to fill a spa pool, which has been drained and cleaned for the occasion, with food for OPEN M. Each donor will receive a free week's pass to the fitness center. Call 330-655-2377, Ext. 124, or visit http://www.lifecenterplus.com.

ACCESS Inc., 230 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303, provides housing and advocacy for homeless women and children. It is seeking individuals or groups to wrap gifts, take in and sort donations, distribute gifts and do office work. A one-hour training session will be provided for wrapping and office work. Deadline is Dec. 24. Minimum age is 15, or younger with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

St. Bernard's Hunger Program, 44 University Ave., Akron, OH 44308, serves sack lunches to the poor every day of the year. It needs men's white athletic socks, hats and gloves for winter. Donated items may be dropped off during business hours at the rectory, or other arrangements can be made. E-mail PGO45@aol.com or call 330-253-5161.

The parties need to be held by Dec. 10. Hours are flexible.

Minimum age for volunteering is 16, or 12 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

United Disability Services, 701 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44311, provides programs and services to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and for their caregivers. It needs donors to ''adopt'' an individual by providing holiday gifts. Deadline for volunteering is Dec. 10. Gifts must be delivered to the agency by Dec. 17. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Community Support Services Inc., 150 Cross St., Akron, OH 44311, is a behavioral health-care agency that provides treatment, rehabilitation, advocacy and support for recovery, primarily to people in need. It is seeking volunteers to fill holiday bags for clients from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11. Minimum age is 18, or 8 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

HM Life Opportunity Services, 1815 W. Market St., Akron OH 44313, provides transitional housing for homeless, single-parent families that are working toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing. It needs volunteers to wrap gifts and help children choose gifts for their parents. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 15 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 16. Minimum age is 16, or 13 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Brianna's PIN (People in Need), 620 E. Crosier St., Akron, OH 44311, is 9-year-old Brianna Long's effort to collect new or gently used, clean blankets for distribution to homeless people and others in need. Blankets will be collected until Dec. 19 and distributed Dec. 20 to the Haven of Rest, Harvest Home, ACCESS Inc. and others. Monetary donations to buy blankets are also welcome.

Contact Carla Long at 330-618-9574 or meandmybucket42@yahoo.com.

Battered Women's Shelter, 759 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303, works to prevent domestic abuse by providing emergency shelter, advocacy and education throughout Summit and Medina counties. It is seeking individuals or groups to ''adopt'' families by purchasing Christmas gifts.

First names, sizes, gift ideas and family needs will be provided. Items should be wrapped, labeled and delivered to the agency. Gift certificates, grocery store gift cards and holiday dinners or food are also appreciated.

Deadline is Dec. 24. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Downtown Akron Partnership/First Night Akron, 58 W. Exchange St., Suite C, Akron, OH 44308, supports and develops programs to build a vibrant and valuable downtown. It needs volunteers to assist with First Night Akron, an alcohol-free, family-oriented celebration of the arts on New Year's Eve.

Volunteer opportunities include greeting guests, helping with activities and serving as emcees or bus tour guides. Opportunities include both indoor and outdoor activities.

Two shifts are available: 4:30-8:15 p.m. and 8-11:30 p.m. Minimum age is 16, or 12 with adult supervision. Call the United Way Volunteer Center, 330-643-5512.

Helping Hands of Summit County, P.O. Box 26601, Akron, OH 44319, serves children, women, the elderly and those with chronic illness or disabilities by helping them with housing, utilities, furniture, vehicles and medical bills. It seeks donors to ''adopt'' children and help families in need during the holidays, as well as donations of money and gift cards for department and grocery stores. Monetary donations and gift cards may be mailed in. Call 330-773-7731.

First Book-Greater Akron gives children from poor families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. Since 2005, it has distributed more than 10,000 books to more than 800 children.

The chapter is seeking donors to give books through the ''giving tree'' it sponsors with the Learned Owl Book Shop, 204 N. Main St., Hudson. A donor takes a tag from the tree at the bookstore and buys the book named on the tag, which will be given to a child.

For information, call the Learned Owl at 330-653-2252 or e-mail Chuck Bell at chuckbell3096@hotmail.com.

In addition, First Book-Greater Akron welcomes donations and volunteers throughout the year. Information and an online donation form is at http://www.firstbook.org/greaterakron.

Meals on Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, 2363 Nave St. SE, Massillon, OH 44646, delivers about 2,000 meals every weekday to homebound people of all ages in two counties. It has an urgent need for volunteer drivers, who typically work one day a week for about an hour. Meals on Wheels also welcomes financial support. Contact Tom Delamater at 800-466-8010 or delamater@mow-starkwayne.org. Information is at
http://www.mow-starkwayne.org.

Reach Out Center for Youth and Family, 1310 Newton St., Akron, OH 44305, seeks to bring unity to the community by providing positive activities for young people, feeding and giving blankets to the homeless, and taking parents, neighborhood youth and children to social events. It needs money as well as volunteers to work with children and youth, provide transportation and do outreach work.

Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 7581, Akron, OH 44306. To volunteer, contact Pastor Rick Starr at 330-548-2092 or ReachOutCenter@aol.com. Information can be found athttp://myspace.com/DontDrinkAndDie.

Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church (Women's Ministry), 1225 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, OH 44307, provides mental, spiritual, emotional and financial support to mothers to help them establish or re-establish a stable, spiritual and long-lasting foundation for themselves and their families. The ministry needs men's, women's and children's winter hats, gloves, scarves and earmuffs. Contact Kelly Neal, 330-864-6635 or JMBC1225@aol.com.

Children's Concert Society, E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, Akron, OH 44325-0501, is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that seeks to educate and enrich the lives of school-age children in Greater Akron by providing access to live, high-quality performing arts experiences. The organization is seeking money to help pay for programming and transportation, as well as donations of unused postage stamps. Contact Pat Lehnhart at 330-972-2504 or ccs@uakron.edu.

Information is at http://www.childrensconcertsociety.org.

Mobile Meals, 1063 S. Broadway, Akron, OH 44311, provides meals, supplements and other nutritional services to individuals of all ages who are at nutritional risk. Each day it delivers more than 2,000 meals in five Northeast Ohio counties.

Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to clients from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Financial donations are also requested to help people who cannot pay for their meals or supplements.

Contact Phil Marcin at 330-376-7717, or send e-mail topmarcin@mobilemealsinc.org. Information is at http://www.mobilemealsinc.org.

Sparrow's Harbor Inc., 854 Avon St., Akron, OH 44310, is a faith-based, nonprofit residential program that provides education, counseling, recreation, health care, mentoring and other services to at-risk girls ages 11 to 15. Girls residing at Sparrow's Harbor have been neglected or abused and need housing.

The organization is seeking donations of gift cards for food, gas, clothes and recreation; bath and bed linens; home paper products; school or office supplies; and money. Contact Eileen Malloy, 330-375-9404 ordihard-cookie@att.net.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ohio Buckeye Chapter, 6155 Rockside Road, Suite 202, Independence, OH 44131, provides research, information and services to people with multiple sclerosis, care-givers and medical professionals. The Ohio Buckeye Chapter serves people in 36 counties, including Summit, Stark, Portage, Medina and Wayne.

The chapter seeks money and Acme grocery receipts that give to the Acme Community Cash Back Program. In addition, volunteers are needed in many areas.

Checks and Acme receipts may be mailed to the office. Donations can be made online at http://www.MSohiobuckeye.org.

For information, contact Greg Kovach, 800-667-7131 orwebmaster@nmssoha.org.

Chelsea Cares Inc., 789 Twin Oaks Blvd., Medina, OH 44256, makes blankets and pillowcases for Akron Children's Hospital pediatric intensive-care unit. It will accept tied-fleece, knitted, crocheted or sewn blankets, as well as fabric and money donations. The organization can provide instructions for tied-fleece blankets. Contact Suzanne Mayes, 330-461-1305, or send e-mail toChelseacares1@hotmail.com.

Park United Methodist Church Angel Food Ministries, 2308 24th St. SW, Akron, OH 44314, serves Kenmore and surrounding areas by offering monthly food boxes at a reduced cost to anyone, regardless of income. The program is accepting money for families who can't afford the food, even at the reduced prices. A donation may be earmarked for a specific family, if desired.

Call Nancy Maurer at 330-745-3714 or send e-mail toparkangelfood@sbcglobal.net. Information is at http://www.akronparkumc.org or http://www.angelfoodministries.com.

Home Instead Senior Care is collecting gifts for needy retirees in the community as part of a program called Be a Santa to a Senior. Donors can choose an ornament with a person's name and gift requests from a tree at Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2207, 2244 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, or Legends Sports Pub and Grill, 925 N. Court St., Medina. Gifts are to be returned by Dec. 10 to the tree location, unwrapped and with the tag attached.

For information, call Pam Myers, 330-334-4664, or visit http://www.beasantatoasenior.com.

Park Little Shepherd Preschool, Park United Methodist Church, 2308 24th St. SW, Akron, OH 44314, offers low-cost preschool, Mommy & Me class and age-appropriate activities for elementary schoolchildren on scheduled off days. It also offers monthly parent workshops on topics including financial management, child development and discipline.

The preschool is seeking monetary donations to keep its subsidized, sliding-scale tuition assistance program available to as many families as possible. It is also seeking donations of craft materials, healthful snack items and office supplies.

Contact Lori Bailey, 330-745-8950, or send e-mail to parkchurch@sbcglobal.net.

Memorials of Angels, 140 W. Wilbeth Road, Akron, OH 44301, funds grave markers when parents cannot afford them. The effort helps grieving parents preserve the memories of their babies and children.

The organization needs monetary donations as well as bowlers and prizes for its sixth annual fundraiser, a Scotch Doubles Bowling Tournament on April 26. Contact Barbara Freeman at 330-773-2385 or send e-mail to epitapherbarbara@aol.com. Information is at http://www.memorialsofangels.com.

Golden Retrievers In Need Rescue Service Inc., P.O. Box 24365, Cleveland, OH 44124, is a nonprofit, volunteer-staffed organization dedicated to finding permanent homes for rescued golden retrievers that come from shelters or from owners who can no longer care for them. GRIN has a critical need for foster homes and also welcomes monetary donations to defray the cost of veterinary expenses, as well as donations of crates, baby gates, blankets and tennis balls.

Call 216-556-4746, e-mail grin@grinrescue.org or visit http://www.grinrescue.org.

Soups On, 2220 Second St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, provides meals to people in need and a short chapel service for those who request it. It also helps other soup kitchens get started, advises them and delivers food to them from stores.

The organization is seeking adult volunteers to help serve meals and clean up. It also needs adults to pick up and deliver food and has a particular need for substitute drivers. Food deliveries are done on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings and require a van, sport utility vehicle or covered pickup truck.

In addition, Soups On welcomes high school students who want to do community service as well as stores that are willing to work with the charity.

Contact Wes Lacy at 330-928-2139 or e-mail stjohns-soupson@sbcglobal.net.

Lift Up Ministries, 1041 Frederick Blvd., Suite B, Akron, OH 44320-2609, is a nonprofit organization that helps build and repair handicap ramps and does small repairs for elderly, low-income and physically disabled people. It also helps churches, ministries and other nonprofit organizations.

Lift Up Ministries is seeking monetary gifts and donations of building materials and tools. Call 330-671-4121, send e-mail to Liftupministries@aol.com or visit the Web site http://www.Liftupministries.org.

National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network is a nonprofit volunteer organization that rescues homeless Brittanys. It needs monetary donations to offset the increasing cost of veterinary care, as well as foster homes for the dogs and volunteers to take dogs from shelters, transport them to foster and permanent homes, help with fundraisers and perform other tasks.

Donations can be mailed to NBRAN, 6116 Allanwood Road, Parma, OH 44129. For information on volunteering, contact Gaye Bricker at 330-673-2702 or beaubritt2@aol.com, or visit http://www.NBRAN.org.

Middlebury Chapel Open Hand Food Pantry, 82 S. Arlington St., Akron, is a nondenominational, evangelical Christian organization providing food and clothing twice a month to needy and hurting people in Greater Akron. It is seeking money to buy food as well as donations of staples that can't be bought with food stamps. It especially needs toiletries, personal hygiene items for women, baby diapers in all sizes, toilet paper, dish soap and laundry detergent.

Donations can be dropped off at the church office from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. Contact Candy Petticord at 330-253-1921 or send e-mail tomiddlebury6413@sbcglobal.net.

Good Neighbors Inc., 1453 Goodyear Blvd., Akron, has seven locations throughout Summit County that help people in need. Its clients must have referrals from Infoline, pastors or social services.

The charity is seeking donations of food, clothing, money, toys, toiletries, personal hygiene products, cleaning products, bath linens and bed linens. Send e-mail to Cindy Scott atgoodneighbors1957@yahoo.com or visit http://www.good-neighbors.org.

A Child's Waiting, 3490 Ridgewood Road, Akron, OH 44333, is an adoption agency that assists birth mothers and adoptive families as well as other needy families in the area. It is accepting items for children, teens and birth mothers, including toiletries, new toys for all ages groups, baby items and gift cards for teens.

Contact Joyce Johnson at 330-665-1811 or Joyce@achildswaiting.com. Information is at http://www.achildswaiting.com.

The Giving Doll in Wadsworth is a volunteer program that makes cloth dolls for children going through difficult times. Nonprofit agencies dealing with children younger than 12 who are facing struggles are encouraged to contact the program for information.

The Giving Doll is seeking donations of woven cotton fabric, polyester stuffing, yarn, lace and trims. Materials can be dropped off at The Chapel's Akron campus, 135 Fir Hill; its Green campus, 1800 Raber Road; or the Center for Older Adults, 138 High St., Wadsworth.

Contact Jan Householder, 330-336-7246 or send e-mail to househJ@hotmail.com.

Rose Lane Health Center, 5425 High Mill Ave. NW, Massillon, OH 44646, is a nonprofit skilled-nursing facility. It is seeking the following:

• Volunteers to ride with residents to medical appointments, help residents get to and from church at Rose Lane on Sunday mornings, assist with bingo on Sunday afternoons and play piano at the Sunday morning church service. It also needs singers and instrumentalists to perform at resident events. Volunteer training will be provided.

• Donations of money, CD players, CDs (big band, gospel, oldies and classical), DVD players, DVD movies, stationery, note pads, pens, playing cards (regular cards and various games) and scented hand lotion.

Call Amy Noall, 330-833-3174, Ext. 34. Information is at http://www.roselane.org.

Christ Child Society of Akron, P.O. Box 5855, Akron, OH 44372, provides hundreds of children with new clothes each year through its Children's Clothing Center in West Akron. The group is seeking monetary donations and new children's clothing. Call Mary Leahy, 330-835-3643, or e-mail President@christchildsocietyakron.org.

Victim Assistance Program, P.O. Box 444, Akron, OH 44309-0444, provides such services as crisis intervention, court advocacy and mental health counseling to crime victims. It is seeking money to provide holiday baskets to 150 families. Call 330-376-0040 or visit http://www.victimassistanceprogram.org.

International Institute of Akron, 207 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, OH 44310, is a 92-year-old, nonprofit social service for refugees and immigrants in Summit County. Services include refugee resettlement, immigration counseling, English classes, employment services, financial literacy classes and interpreting/translation services.

The institute is seeking donations of new or gently used coats, boots, gloves and hats for refugee families, in sizes from infant to adult. Gift cards are also welcome. Items may be dropped off.

Call 330-376-5106, e-mail executivedirector@iiakron.org or visit http://www.iiakron.org.

PATHS of Akron Children's Hospital, 377 S. Portage Path, is a youth-development program that provides comprehensive social, educational, medical and employment services to Summit County youths 12 to 18. PATHS (Promoting Adolescents Through Health Services) seeks to prevent teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug use, school dropout and violence.

The program is seeking donations of personal hygiene items for male and female teens; winter hats and gloves; school supplies; backpacks; gift cards for pizza, Borders, Barnes & Nobles, Target, Wal-Mart, Giant Eagle and Acme; movie passes; and gently used clothing and household items for the thrift store. It also needs volunteers to work in the store.

Contact Vanessa Drone at vdrone@chmca.org. Information is at http://www.akronchildrens.org.

Pet Guards Shelter, 950 Hardy Road, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223, is a low-cost spay, neuter and vaccination clinic for dogs and cats, as well as a shelter that houses and adopts out unwanted cats.

The shelter is seeking donations of 1,500 square feet of vinyl flooring, a 5- to 7-ton vertical-discharge, roof-mount heating and cooling unit, a tankless water heater, window tint, signage and awning materials.

In addition, it needs these volunteers: a licensed HVAC installer, an electrician, a flooring installer, a window tinter, a sign maker and an awning maker.

To volunteer, call Joe Elton, 330-431-9391. For information on donations only, e-mail donations@pgfundraising.org. Information is at http://www.petguards.com.

Busy Sunshine Club of Tallmadge is seeking members to assemble and sew lap robes for various organizations in the Akron area. The group meets 9 a.m. to noon Mondays at Ritchie Memorial Shelter House, 109 West Ave.

It is also requesting donations of fabric, thread and yarn. Contact Alice Zitner, 330-923-0999.

Heaven Can Wait, 51 Vesper St., Akron, OH 44310, rescues animals from Summit County Animal Control, provides medical and behavioral care and places them in permanent homes.

It is seeking donations of a cargo van, a compact car, cages, crates, pet carriers, dog runs, fencing supplies for a yard, bowls, leashes, collars, dog clothes, new dog beds, new heating pads, new litter pans, dry dog and cat food, cat litter, cat toys, bleach, paper towels, dish detergent, laundry detergent, sponges, trash bags, Purell, Lysol, Clorox wipes, air fresheners, mops, mop buckets and office supplies (envelopes, paper, postage stamps, etc).

Call 330-328-8699, e-mail heather@heaven-can-wait.com or visit http://www.heaven-can-wait.com.

Summit County Children Services Board, 264 S. Arlington St., Akron, OH 44306, responds to and investigates reports of child abuse and neglect and provides protective services for children. It is seeking donations of food gift cards in $25 increments, or money to buy the cards. They will be given to needy families during the holidays.

Contact Patricia Roy at 330-379-2055 or proy@summitkids.org.

Hospice and Palliative Care of Visiting Nurse Service, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, OH 44333, aims to alleviate suffering, engender hope, promote living and facilitate grieving among patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, their families and their communities. It is seeking the following:

• Volunteers to make baked goods for the family kitchen in the Hospice Care Center.

• Groups to host activities such as ice cream socials and parties.

• Clerical volunteers through December for the Light Up a Life program.

• Volunteers to join the monthly craft circle, supplying craft items for hospice patients.

• Volunteers to play holiday music or carol in the care center.

• Balloon or face-painting artists or magicians to volunteer for special events.

• Donations of books on CD, music CDs, CD cases, CD players, personal stationery, small dry-erase boards, journals, greeting cards, crafting ribbon, children's books, coloring books, art supplies, colored paper, large-print books, family-friendly DVDs, bulletin board supplies, personal-care items (new towels and washcloths, mild soaps, shampoos, etc.), disposable cameras, hand-held tape recorders and blank cassette tapes.

• Money, which can be donated at http://www.vnsa.com or mailed.

Call Terri DeGeorge, 330-668-4650 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4650.

North Hill Community House/He Brought Us Out Ministry, 526 N. Howard St., Akron, strives to meet the needs of the community and help bring healing and restoration. It works to educate, empower and equip people to develop productive lives that allow them to make a difference in their communities.

The organization is seeking money as well as toys and gifts for its Christmas Celebration for 25 to 50 families Dec. 20. In addition, it is seeking donors to adopt families for the holidays.

Contact Gary Wyatt at 330-375-5065 or hebroughtusout@sbcglobal.net. Information is at http://www.northhillcommunityhouse.org.

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank/Ohio Benefit Bank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, connects low- to moderate-income families with public benefits and tax credits. It helps Ohioans file their federal and state income tax returns electronically while finding out their eligibility for benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, food stamps, child care subsidies and home energy assistance, and it helps them apply for those benefits.

The program is seeking volunteers for its Tax Clinics, to be held one Saturday a month during tax season at Akron-Summit County Main Library. Volunteers must attend a one-day training session. Contact Michelle Long at 330-777-7577 or michelle@akroncantonfoodbank.org. Information is at http://www.obb.ohio.gov.

Summit County Children Who Witness Violence Program, Akron Children's Hospital, 1 Perkins Square, Akron OH 44308-1062, is a collaborative program that serves children in Summit County who have been exposed to violence and seeks to decrease the traumatic impact. The program involves crisis intervention and assessment services as well as trauma support services, all for free.

The program is seeking donations of gel pens, journals for boys and girls, drawing supplies, craft supplies, action figures and posters of positive role models. Call Phyllis Komerofsky at 330-543-3572 or send e-mail topkomerofsky@chmca.org. Information is at http://www.akronchildrens.org/cwwv.

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307, provides food in eight counties to more than 350 member agencies that operate emergency food programs such as food pantries, hot meal sites and shelters. Donations of food and funds are needed.

For information, call 330-535-6900 or visit http://www.akroncantonfoodbank.org.

Heart to Heart Family Support Center, 1035 Rosemary Blvd., Akron, OH 44306, serves youth and adults in Summit County by providing outreach, individual and family counseling, education, post-release mentoring and counseling, job readiness preparation, spiritual support counseling, support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren and for children whose parents are incarcerated, and tutoring for children and adults.

The center needs a van to transport youth, a walk-in freezer to expand its food pantry and a multimedia projector for community training and education to kinship caregivers and other clients. E-mail Dr. Ollie Jones at perfectingsaint2@att.net.