by Lisa Schauer
Finding the true meaning of Christmas doesn’t take a lot of money or time.
But helping others brings joy to the holiday season like no gadget or gizmo can.
This year, consider giving enjoyable yet practical items, such as easy-to-open high protein snacks, a hoodie, a warm hat and mittens, slippers, socks, underwear, and hygiene products to community groups who connect these items with those who need them most. 
In the spirit of making Christmas more meaningful and effortless, here’s a list of local ways to give during the holidays.
- Berkeley Springs Blessing Box is located on N. Washington Street near CNB Bank. It’s stocked with non-perishable food and hygiene products. Anyone interested in donating items can drop them off at Morgan County Public Library, Life or Drugs, First United Methodist Church, or Berkeley Baptist Church.
- Toys for Tots benefits the Holiday Helpers program administered by Starting Points. Anyone interested in donating a new, unwrapped gift can do so at boxes located at CNB Bank, Charlotte’s Café, Dawson’s Ace Hardware, Edward Jones, Truist bank, and Mountain State Chiropractic. Donations are being collected by Berkeley Springs Lions Club through December 22.
- Coats for kids are being collected by Mountain State Chiropractic in Berkeley Springs. Anyone who donates will be entered to win a gift certificate at the practice through December 22.
- A mitten tree in the entryway at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church is the collection point for hats, gloves, scarves and other cold-weather items for children and adults.
- Donation of non-perishable food items to the Morgan County Emergency Assistance Team at the food pantry behind St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, to the food pantry or to Louise’s Cupboard, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Great Cacapon on Wednesdays.
- Pet food is needed at Morgan County Animal Control. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at 16 Camp Harmison Drive in Berkeley Springs. Pet adoption for the holidays may also be an option for animal lovers.
- Christmas toy collection is being held by Bikers Helping Sick Children. Anyone wishing to donate a new, unwrapped gift can drop it in collection boxes located at VFW Post 4019, Roy’s, Hunter’s Hardware, CNB Bank on Valley Road, Hillbilly Heaven, Perry Realty, CJ’s Floral, Lighthouse Latte, Dollar General, Family Dollar, NAPA Auto, State Farm, Kesecker Realty, and Close Insurance through December 6.
Christmas toy distribution
Donated gifts from the Bikers Helping Sick Children toy drive will be distributed at the VFW in Berkeley Springs on Saturday, December 13 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Anyone who needs Christmas gifts for their kids is invited. Bring paperwork showing proof of residence as child’s guardian from their school, preschool, or doctor’s office.
More to come
To share your group’s charitable opportunities for giving this holiday, email information and a contact name and number to news@morganmessenger.com or call us at 304-258-1800.
