Some families may have a hard time this year putting presents under the tree because of the sluggish economy.
A few organizations are willing to help make Christmas a little brighter for those families.
One local organization, the North Augusta Christmas Store Gift Project, matches donors with families in need.
Community Ministries of North Augusta began the program in 1979, but decided to discontinue it eight years ago, said the program's current organizer, Louvenia Matthews.
She decided to take over the program on her own.
"This is my mission," said Matthews, who has worked with the program since it's inception.
Matthews accepts applications around the beginning of October. Eligibility is determined using the South Carolina poverty guidelines, she said.
Each applicant is asked to provide names, ages, sizes and a wish list for each child in the family. The family is then assigned a number.
The information is given to a donor, who buys at least one outfit and one item from the child's wish list. The family's assigned number replaces the names to protect privacy, Matthew said.
On Dec. 18 this year, donors will bring the wrapped gifts to the First Baptist Church of North Augusta gymnasium, where volunteers will receive the presents. Parents will pick them up Dec. 21-22.
Matthews said while she has already accepted applications, she maintains a waiting list and will help as many families as she can find donors for.
"We've had an abundance of people this year because of the economy," she said.
She said volunteers are always welcome, and she especially needs male volunteers on Dec. 21 and 22 to help with heavy lifting.
Below is a brief listing of places to get or give help in North Augusta for the holiday season.
Reach Lisa Kaylor at
