Christmas presents aren't only enjoyed by children.

Adults and teenagers enjoy presents, too, and that's why the Neighbor in Need's holiday shop tries to offer something for every member of the family, from young to old.

"Who wants to wake up on Christmas morning and not have something?' said Holly Hutchins, deputy director of the program. "That's the focus of the program, we serve the whole household."

Created in 1987 through the Human Services Program of Carroll County, Neighbors in Need has the goal of helping low income families and individuals during the holidays.

While it partners with Carroll County Food Sunday to help with holiday feasts, the gift-giving element of the program falls to Neighbors in Need.

Set up in an empty storefront near Giant Foods in the Cranberry Station Shopping Center in Westminster, the Neighbors in Need Holiday Shop opened its doors to donations on Dec. 7, and will continue to collect and sort items through Dec. 13. The distribution to families will be held Dec. 14, 15 and 16.

This past Wednesday, though the shelves were still being put together — and were relatively bare — hopes were high that they would soon be filled with not only toys, but dish sets, crock pots and other household items that a family might need.

This is the seventh year Hutchins has organized the shop. In an effort to help it run smoothly, a deadline of Dec. 1 for applications was set for the first time. Applications must be filled out by interested parties if they would like to be considered to attend the shop.

"It's a new thing," Hutchins said of the deadline. "It helps us to plan better. I don't think the deadline was unreasonable. Christmas is the same time every year."

Nine-hundred appointments — 100 more than last year — have been scheduled for the distribution days, Hutchins said.

She admitted that applications are still arriving — and the program is trying to accommodate as many as possible.

"Some of our clients didn't make the deadline," Hutchins said. "We'll make an exception for those in an extreme situation or crisis, especially households with children."

Donations are needed, however, to make those holiday dreams come true.

While the focus of the shop is brand new items, it will accept gently-used stuffed animals, bicycles and children's coats. Monetary donations are also welcome, and will be used to purchase items that are lacking.

Gifts for teens and men's supplies are always needed, she said. "There's a big demand for large-size clothing for adults. Work gloves, too. A lot come in and need them."

Volunteers are welcome, also, whether for just an hour, a day, or whatever time can be devoted.

Last Wednesday, Robert Miller, of Westminster, wandered into the holiday shop after lunch, looking to help. He was soon put to work, building shelves to line the walls.

"I find myself having more free time than I care to have," said Miller, who also helps feed the homeless every Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster. "Through (the dinners), I found out about other programs where I can volunteer."

Hutchins has her own personal deadline, too. A single mom with a 12-year-old daughter, Hutchins said the holiday shop is part of both her and her daughter's lives — an event that both have been a part of for the last seven years.

By Dec. 20, she said, they'd like to have it all wrapped up and complete.

"Dec. 20 is my birthday," Hutchins said. "I like to have the holiday shop done by then. I can enjoy my birthday, and all the work we accomplished."

Holiday Help

Donations and volunteers are welcome at the Neighbors in Need Holiday Shop, located in Cranberry Square Shopping Center, at North Center Street and Route 140, Westminster.

Hours for donations are: Thursday, Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Tuesday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Items are needed for infants, kids, teens, men and women.

The program can also make use of financial contributions which can be dropped off at the store or mailed to Neighbors in Need, P.O. Box 489, Westminster, MD 21158. For more information on the program, call 410-857-2999.