Ronald McDonald House Provides a home for children and their families who are dealing with catastrophic childhood illnesses. It provides a comfortable, affordable place for families while their child is being hospitalized. 410-528-1010 or http://www.rmhbaltimore.com

Wish List: New toys for children of all ages, portable baby cribs, baby monitors and canned or dry goods.

The Salvation Army Emergency and Transitional Shelter Provides relief to thousands of individuals and families in need of food, clothing, shelter and financial assistance, as well as spiritual and emotional counseling. 410-783-2920.

Wish List: Bedding items such as new or slightly used twin sheets and comforters, clothing detergent, pens, copier paper, new adult Christmas gift items such as wallets, purses, gloves, bath and body gels and lotions and new children's toys, hand-held games, school supplies or winter clothing items.

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Santa Claus Anonymous provides assistance in the form of gift certificates redeemable at local merchants to aid families in the purchase of toys, clothing, or books for holiday presents. 443-557-7000.

Wish List: Monetary donations by mail or online only. PO Box 28385, Baltimore, MD 21234 or http://www.santaclausanonymous.org.

Sarah's House — Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services to help homeless families achieve independence and strengthen their families. 410-551-7722. http://www.cc-md.org.

Wish List: Gift cards (Target, Wal-Mart, Safeway, Costco, Giant or Sam's Club), Bed Lines (twin size sheet sets, blankets, comforters), wash cloths, towels, pillows, Pack n Play, napkins, toilet paper, paper towels, plates, plastic forks/spoons/knives; Sets of dishes; silverware, pots and pans, glasses, shower curtains and rugs.

St. Mary's Outreach Center The Resource and Referral Service at the Outreach Center provides free and confidential services to men and women, age 55 and older in ZIP code 21211 who are in need of assistance. on utilities, medical bills, housing etc. Also counseling services, legal aid referrals, food pantry access, food stamps, benefits packages, access to housing, transportation and more. 410-366-3106 for an appointment.

Wish List: Monatery donations.

Toys for Tots provides: New, unwrapped toys as Christmas gifts to needy children within the community. 410-444-6200, ext. 152

Wish List: New, unwrapped toys, excluding stuffed animals, guns, bullets and knives..

St. Vincent's Villa provides comprehensive, therapeutic services to boys and girls, ages 5-14 whose behavioral and emotional needs require an intensive residential setting. 410-252-4000, ext. 1672. http://www.cc-md.org.

Wish List: New twin size comforters, new books (pre-school grade 4), puzzles 50-500 pieces; Wii Games (Just Dance), legos, arts and craft kits, video games rated E, Mp3 players, personal radios, gameboys, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, Uno cards, playing cards, board games such as connect four, battleship, sorry, operation, remote control cars. Gift cards to the movies, bowling and fast food restaurants are always. Only new toys please.

Turnaround Inc. provides emergency shelter, counseling, community education, emergency room companions, legal services and a 24-hour hot line for victims of rape, domestic violence, child sexual assault and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. 410-377-8111. http://www.turnaroundinc.org.

Wish List: Nonperishable food items, diapers, hats, gloves, scarves, gift cards and gas cards, household cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper.

United Churches Assistance Network (UCAN) provides emergency financial assistance to families and individuals in the community, evictions, utility turnoffs, medicine and food. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 410-628-2102.

Wish List: Money, gift cards to food stores, Target and Walmart.

Victor's Vittles Food Pantry provides food serving ZIP codes 21234, 21236, 21286. 410-668-8089. Open Tuesdays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. http://www.christusvictoronline.org.

Wish List: Nonperishable food, personal-needs items, perishable food (contact church to arrange)