Where to give Where to give (December 17, 2004)

`Here is a list of other ways to share the holiday spirit:

* Christmas Bureau of Palo Alto -- Volunteers respond to referrals from schools and social agencies, providing assistance to families and individuals in need. Gift checks are provided to those in need through donations. The money is used at the discretion of recipients to buy food or gifts for their families. Checks may be made out to the Christmas Bureau. 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto, CA 94301. Contact Virginia Powers at vipowers@mindspring.com.

* Ecumenical Hunger Program -- Feeds the homeless and offers grocery bag give-aways in East Palo Alto. Food, clothing and household essentials are needed. Presents (unwrapped for all ages): bed linens, household items and gift certificates to local department stores, remote toy trucks and cars, infant toys, dolls, soccer balls, footballs, watches, basketballs, clothing with sports motifs. 2441 Pulgas Ave., East Palo Alto. Call (650) 323-7781. www.ehpcares.org

* Jewish Family and Children's Services, Palo Alto -- Needs cash gifts, staples, and packaged and canned goods for its food pantry and holiday grocery bags. Call (650) 688-3030. www.jfcs.org.

* InnVision/Urban Ministry -- Needs food donations for its holiday community potlucks. Turkeys, fresh vegetables and other foods needed. Call Estelle, (408) 243-9842. www.umpa.org.

* Mother Oneida Branch -- 2584 Farrington Way, East Palo Alto, CA 94303. Needs food, clothing and money gifts for holiday give-aways. Make checks payable to the East Palo Alto Community Center. Mother Branch, 2584 Farrington Way, East Palo Alto -- the cross street is Kavanaugh, off University Avenue. Call (650) 325-2848.

* St. Anthony's Padua Dining Room -- Needs Turkeys, fresh produce, and all the trimmings for its Christmas meals. The wish list includes, turkeys, chickens, hams and produce. 3500 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. Call (650) 365-9665.

* St. Francis of Assisi Church in East Palo Alto -- Needs canned food for its give-away through St. Vincent DePaul. Call (650) 322-1231 for information.

* Second Harvest Food Bank -- The largest food bank in the Bay Area. Needs canned food and money. Distributes throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. 1051 Bing St., San Carlos. Call (650) 610-0800. www.2ndharvest.net.

* The Urban Ministry Food Closet -- Needs canned goods for their grocery bag give-away. 425 Hamilton Ave. Palo Alto. Call (650) 325-3663. www.umpa.org.

E-mail Staff Writer Sue Dremann at sdremann@paweekly.com

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