PELHAM – As Oak Mountain Missions Ministries prepares to host its annual Christmas Resource Program, donations are needed to ensure children and teenagers in Shelby County have a memorable Christmas.

For the past several years, Oak Mountain Missions has collected new, unopen an unwrapped toys and gift cards for children newborn to 18 years old, said volunteer Liz McGuire. On the day gifts are distributed, parents go to Oak Mountain Missions and pick out gifts for their children. McGuire said there tends to be a shortage of gifts for teens.

“Our teens need to be shown love too at Christmas,” McGuire. “Sometimes they may get overlooked.”

Families who are supported by the program must qualify and be screened before being given an appointment time to shop for gifts. The number of families who receive assistance depends on the number of toys donated.

“The need during the holidays is great,” McGuire said. “The only way we can do this is through the generosity of donors.”

Last year’s Christmas programs provided for more than 400 children and teens. Donations for the Christmas program should be dropped off at Oak Mountain Missions by Dec. 5^th. The nonprofit is located at 2699 Pelham Parkway. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to Christmas gifts, food and clothes are also needed to help with the Missions’ normal assistance programs. The need for winter coats and portable electric heaters increases as temperatures get colder and colder. McGuire said coats of all sizes and for males and females are needed.

Throughout November and December, McGuire said there’s also a greater need for food.

“With kids home from school during the holidays, the need is definitely greater,” McGuire said. “We tend to need more breakfast and lunch foods around this time of year.”

For more information or to apply for the Christmas Resource Program, call Oak Mountain Missions at 685-5757.