By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 11/11/04)

With Thanksgiving approaching, many are planning how big of a turkey they should buy, who they will invite and which tablecloth will look best on the dining room table.

However, some local residents are just trying to figure out how to feed their family tonight, let alone in two weeks.

The holidays are traditionally a time to give thanks, but also a time to think of the less fortunate.

Christmas shopping will soon be in full swing. Why not pick up a few items for the needy along with gifts for loved ones and trimmings for holiday dinners?

Following is a list of items needed by various diocesan offices. To help those a little closer to home, check with your local parish or Knights of Columbus council.

Office of Resettlement, Migration and Refugee Services.

80 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington

703/524-2154

The Resettlement Office is in urgent need of blankets and comforters; pillows (new or excellent condition); televisions; microwaves; wastebaskets and used cars (in working condition).

In addition, each refugee arriving in the country also needs: mattress, box spring and frame; sheets and pillowcases; laundry detergent; vacuum cleaner; set of drawers; kitchen table; kitchen chairs; couch; lamps; dishes; kitchen and dining utensils; mixing/serving bowls; pots and pans; can opener; bath towels; alarm clock; light bulbs; dish soap; household cleaners; sponges; laundry detergent; mops and brooms; garbage bags; toilet paper; shampoo; deodorant; soap; toothpaste and toothbrushes; hairbrushes (new); razors (new and sealed in packaging); feminine products; school supplies; and winter coats.

The basic need of all refugees arriving in the United Sates is housing. Contact the office if you are interested in helping a family by supplying them with rental property.

Catholic Charities Toy Drive

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington

200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 506, Arlington

703/841-3830

Children's Services
5294 Lyngate Ct, Burke, Va.
703/425-0100

Loudoun County Satellite Office
Christ the Redeemer Church, 46833 Harry Byrd Highway, Sterling
703/421-2317

Fredericksburg District Office
305 Hanson Avenue, Suite 180, Fredericksburg
540/371-1124

Toys for girls and boys of all ages will be collected at all Catholic Charities offices. To adopt a family, call Christ House Shelter at 703/549-8644.

The CCDA Christmas Collection will be taken up at Masses the weekend of Dec. 11 and 12.

Christ House Shelter

131 South West St., Alexandria

703/549-8644

For holiday baskets — $5 or $10 grocery certificates, turkeys and hams, stuffing, instant potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, desert mixes (pie crust mix, fruit bread mix, cake mix and frosting), macaroni and cheese.

For shoe box gifts — gloves, scarves, hats, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, soap, makeup.

For the thrift shop — winter coats and jackets in all sizes for men, women and children.

Volunteer opportunities — Thrift Shop, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Food Pantry, daytime, evening and weekends; Soup Kitchen, evenings.

Project Rachel/Gabriel Project Arlington

200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 814, Arlington, Va. 22203

703/841-2755

Through the Gift of Life, a tax-deductible donation can be made as a gift in the name of or in memory of a family member or friend. Donations will support the cost of an expectant mother’s prenatal vitamins or counseling for a woman who is experiencing the emotional distress of an abortion.

St. Martin de Porres Senior Center

4650 Taney Ave., Alexandria

703/751-2766

Personal care items and small gifts (for example, figurines or inexpensive jewelry) needed for Bingo prizes.

Missions in Bánica, Dominican Republic

Donations to support the diocesan missions in the Dominican Republic and the mission school can be sent to the Diocesan Accounting Office, Attn: Irene Sullivan, 200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 600, Arlington, Va. 22203. Write "Bánica Missions" in the memo line on the check.