Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather together, enjoy the fruits of the harvest and give thanks to God for all He has given to them over the past year.

But for some families, providing an extravagant meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing and cranberries just isn’t within their budget. With the help of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM), more than 450 families will give thanks for the kindness of strangers who will donate baskets of food for the holiday.

Through the cooperation of more than 30 Catholic and Protestant groups, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries provides emergency financial help and operates a food pantry and thrift shop to help the needy in Centreville, Clifton, Chantilly, Fair Oaks and Fairfax Station.

Catholic churches involved in this ministry include Corpus Christi Mission in South Riding, St. Andrew and St. Clare Parishes in Clifton; and St. Timothy and St. Veronica Parishes in Chantilly.

The ministry program is a liaison between the Fairfax County Department of Human Services and community churches, businesses and civic organizations to ensure that those in need receive help. Race and religious background are not factors in being accepted for aid.

"We help those in need," said Joayn Bahr, chairperson of the holiday food basket program, as she sifted through a four-inch binder of applications from local families.

In addition to the 435 families that have contacted WFCM in need of assistance this Thanksgiving, the ministry will also provide holiday baskets to nearly 30 families who relocated to Fairfax County after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Families who need baskets will be assigned to a local participating church or organization that will ensure delivery. By working through WFCM, churches are assured that they are reaching out to families that are truly in need, and that each household is receiving only one basket.

Volunteers, including co-chairs of the holiday food basket program, Bahr and Rosanne Arnold from St. Andrew Parish in Clifton, work to contact donors willing to contribute baskets, canned goods or grocery certificates at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Individual donors are also needed to supply the rest of the goods needed to complete the remaining baskets. The holiday food basket program is operated separately from the food pantry at WFCM.

To date, the ministry is still in need of supplies for up to 185 baskets. While they always appreciate the help of schools and organizations who can help on a larger scale, "no donation is too small," Bahr said. "Every little bit helps."

Groups and individuals are encouraged to provide whatever they can, whether it is entire baskets, canned goods or grocery certificates.

For more information go to www.wfcmva.org, call the WFCM office at 703/988-9656 or visit them in the Sully Shopping Center at 13981 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly.

A sturdy basket, such as a storage container, laundry basket or similar

Turkey, ham, chicken or gift certificate to purchase the meat

Lettuce, celery, onions and potatoes

Apples and oranges

Rolls or bread

Margarine or butter

Stuffing (box or bag)

Cranberry Sauce

Gravy

Canned fruit and vegetables

Aluminum roasting pan

Pies, nut breads, crackers and/or cookies

Baby food if there is a baby in the family

Apple juice or other fruit juices

Any other goodies you think children might enjoy, such as macaroni and cheese, individually wrapped cheese slices, etc.

WFCM will also accept monetary donations or grocery certificates to purchase items for the gift baskets. Receipts for tax purposes are available.