This week while you’re out doing your Christmas shopping, get into the true spirit of Christmas by helping a Huron County child in need.

Supported by your donations, the Huron County Christmas Bureau helps about 1,000 Huron children and their families this season.

Donations of new toys, new clothes and financial gifts are being accepted this week until Friday at five county churches. The Exeter Christian Reformed Church is the local drop-off point, with other centres at Clinton United Church, North St. United Church in Goderich, St. James Roman Catholic Church in Seaforth and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Wingham.

Financial gifts can be used to buy food vouchers for families or new clothes in sizes where donations are lacking.

Those families in need will receive their gifts confidentially next week. Last year donations to the Bureau meant a happier Christmas for 926 Huron children and their families. With the economy struggling for the last couple of years, there’s no doubt the need for assistance will be strong again this year.

As the Bureau is managed by volunteers, every dollar raised goes directly to benefit the children and families in need.

Many community groups are doing their part this year to help the Christmas Bureau. And Exeter businesses are also involved, donating a portion of their sales on Thursday to the Bureau, another reason to shop locally.

Many of us talk about getting into the Christmas spirit by being generous to those who need it. Donating to the Huron County Christmas Bureau is a tangible way to help make someone’s Christmas a bit better.