In Our Community

Calhoun Cares

This list is a sampling of some of the organizations helping others during this holiday season. Other community charities that would like to be listed online can e-mail contact information to dwhisenhunt@annistonstar.com

ORGANIZATION	WHAT THEY NEED	HOW TO DONATE
Salvation Army	Food: Any canned goods, especially canned meats, fruits, vegetables and soups. The Salvation Army also needs other staple items like rice, flour, sugar and corn meal. There are people who have special dietary needs — low-sodium and no-sugar added foods are helpful. Volunteers: Volunteers are needed this season to work the Angel Tree, ring the Salvation Army bells and sort toys and food received.	Location: 420 Noble Street in Anniston. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Of note: Special drop-off times can be arranged by calling office. Angel Tree: Every year, the Salvation Army puts up an "Angel Tree" at the Quintard Mall in Anniston. It will be up this Friday. 236-5643
Community Enabler Developer	Food: Canned Thanksgiving items. Community Enabler also needs staples like flour and sugar. They really need breakfast foods like pancake mix, cereal grits and oatmeal. Toys: Community Enabler accepts all toys, new or used. Clothes: Community Enabler needs all kinds of clothes, particularly plus sizes.	Location: 1411 Gurnee Avenue in Anniston. Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and closed for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Of note: To arrange a special drop off time, call the office. 237-6144 or 237-3238
All Saints Interfaith Center of Concern	Food: All canned items, especially canned meat and fish. The center also accepts frozen foods. Clothes: The center needs household items to help people stay warm. Blankets, curtains and space heaters are welcome, as well as all sizes of long-johns, shirts and socks people can use to layer-up and stay warm. Children also need underwear, jackets and shoes. Complete outfits are appreciated. Toys: The center has a toy-drive in December and only accepts new toys.	Location: 1029 West 15th Street in Anniston. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. 236-7793
Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center	Food: All canned food. They particularly need peanut butter and jelly, canned meats, boxes of macaroni and cheese, cereals, canned soups, canned fruits and canned vegetables. They also accept baking mixes. Toys: The center is asking for new educational toys such as books, games and other fun diversions families can do together. The toys should be for infants and children in the sixth grade or lower.	Location: 206 Francis Street West in Jacksonville, behind the McDonald's. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 435-1891
Helping Every Area Resident To Succeed (HEARTS), a volunteer charitable and educational organization established in 2001 for the residents of Cleburne County.	Any canned goods in date, vegetables, soup, meats/fish, and fruits. Special diet foods such as low sodium and low sugar items are appreciated. Hours: Ranburne location: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon; Heflin location: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Jackie Howle, director, to arrange an alternate time. Sponsors for Christmas Clearinghouse Families: Families will be signing up for assistance for their children's Christmas from Nov. 11 until Dec. 12. In 2006 we had 415 children receiving help. We need churches, organizations, clubs, businesses and individuals who are willing to sponsor a family. Applications may be reviewed and signed out from HEARTS House, 129 Almon Street, Heflin, AL 36264, (256) 463-1020, or HEARTS Ranburne, 21215 Main Street, Ranburne, AL, (256) 568-5003. HEARTS is also accepting new and slightly worn clean coats of all sizes at both locations. Financial donations will be needed to assist with heating bills, and to purchase Christmas items for families who do not obtain a sponsor. Christmas Gift Cards are wonderful alternatives! We are unable to accept used toys.	Contact us by phone at either location or by e-mail, Heartscnhlp@wmconnect.com.