During the Christmas season, the Portico at St. John's Roman Catholic Church slowly fills with colorful presents.

For the last seven years, the parish's St. Vincent de Paul's Society has participated in the Neighbors in Need program, and has helped hundreds of needy families celebrate Christmas by providing gifts and food to make the holidays bright.

"When you go in the day they are to receive their gifts, it's breathtaking," said Angie Gerald, one of the volunteers. "It looks like Christmas."

The parish is the largest participant in Neighbors in Need, Human Services Programs of Carroll County's annual event that helps bring the holidays to 3,000 county residents, according to Holly Hutchins, deputy director of Human Services.

And while not everyone can adopt 155 families as St. John's does, there are many other ways one can help, Hutchins said, especially this year.

"We are expecting the demand this year to be great with everything going on in the economy," Hutchins said. "People can help in many ways. We do have a committed volunteer base ... but many hands make lighter work."

One way to help is by adopting a family. Families are "adopted" when each individual members' requests are met and food for Christmas dinner and one week are provided.

Donations can also be provided to the Neighbors in Need's Holiday Shop.

Only about half of the families that apply for adoption are adopted, Hutchins estimates. For the families that are not, there is the Holiday Shop, located in Cranberry Station Shopping Center in Westminster, next to Giant.

"We do ask for new items," Hutchins said of Holiday Shop donations. "We're not talking fancy computer stuff but rather a new coffee pot, place settings for four. Most of the folks we serve are in need of basic items."

Toys for children are always important, but Hutchins says items for teenagers are needed, too.

"Teen gift items are at a premium for us," Hutchins said. "We don't want them to feel forgotten. You just have to figure out what they want and fill that need."

The Holiday Shop is scheduled to be open only three days, Dec. 15, 16 and 17. During that time, families are accompanied through the store by an "elf" or volunteer.

"We need lots of helpers those days," Hutchins said, adding that volunteers are also needed to sort items, organize gifts and set up the shop. The program always welcomes financial donations, too.

"All of the funds we get to support this program we try to put ... into direct services," Hutchins said.

Human Services has been holding a Neighbors in Need event for the last 20 years, Hutchins said. While it is based in Westminster, Human Services' programs are for all residents of Carroll County who are struggling. Programs include aiding with utility costs; providing shelter and a family support center.

"There are people in need in every crook of the county," Hutchins said. "Our services are free."

And while there are some families living on the edge from paycheck to paycheck, there are others that may have a nice car and television, but no income after being laid off from work.

"It's never easy," Hutchins said. "This year seems particularly challenging. You don't realize the impact a program like this has ... until you see a grown woman cry after receiving a new $10 coffee pot."

One thing Neighbors in Need hopes to avoid is overlap. With resources tight, Neighbors is hoping other groups that are helping families during the holidays inform them which ones they are reaching to prevent duplication.

"There is a need to spread the resources as much as we can," Hutchins said. "We want to make sure everyone is taken care of."

At St. John's, a Christmas angel tree is slowly losing its decorations of names as parishioners participate in the program.

"The whole parish donates," Gerald said. "We've increased it to 155 families, but that's all the area we have. They're very appreciative."

Friends in Need

For more information about donations or volunteering as part of the Neighbors in Need program, call Human Services Programs of Carroll County at 410-857-2999.

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