Greetings!

 Any one of us who has raised a child with autism understands the financial stress this places on our families, add the third straigh year of economic recession and you're stretched as far as you can go. Sending this information in hopes it may prove helpful to some of you and if you are doing OK think about donating this season to help those who are in need.

Holiday Gift Request Resources & ideas

For Families in Central Massachusetts

1. Project Just Because- Families need to register electronically at www.projectjustbecause.org.
2. T & G Santa- The Telegram & Gazettecollects funds and gives to various Salvation Army and Catholic Charity sites in Central Mass.
3. Salvation Army- Families should contact their local Salvation Army locations.
4. Catholic Charities- Catholic Charities needs to be contacted by Diocese. They can be found on line or by calling any local Catholic parish.
5. Gardner and Winchendon- Families can contact or visit the Community Action Councils in their respective towns.
6. Toys for Tots- Go to www.toysfortots.org to make requests.
7. Housing Projects- Many of the bigger housing projects sign on to various donor groups, and residents may be able to get gifts there.
8. Places of Worship- Familiesmay want to ask their local worship centers if they know of additional resources.
9. Schools- Families may want to ask their child's guidance department or teachers if they know of additional community resources.
10. Town Clerk- Town Clerks tend to know much about what is offered in the communities they serve.

Please share other resources......

Globe Santa- Please note that the Globe covers the Boston area only.

If families do not have internet access for organizations, requiring electronic registration, public libraries is one option.

Families will need to follow whatever process is outlined by individual organizations and may need to present evidence of financial need.

Most programs are all time sensitive. Do not delay.