Christmas charities are in need themselves as demand for help grows

Operation Holiday Heroes needs help to meet a large increase in requests for toys and food this year for the Christmas charity for Beaufort County residents in need.

To contribute money for purchase of extra toys and food vouchers, send a check made payable to Operation Holiday Heroes to: United Way of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC 29901.

Donations of toys or money can also be brought to the United Way office at 2266 Boundary St. in Beaufort, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Food pantries are also in need of canned good and nonperishable food items.

For more information about donating, call Chrystie Turner at the United Way of the Lowcountry, 843-982-3040 ext. 24.

National collection week for Operation Christmas Child will be held through Monday for the Beaufort County area. To donate, fill a shoe box with gifts to be delivered to needy children worldwide. Organizers hope to collect 11,200 boxes. Call for collection sites.

Details: 704-583-1463, www.samaritanspurse.org.