Holiday help drive applications being accepted

Brother’s Keeper file photo by Meagan Gumpert.

Each year, Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and its Brother’s Keeper outreach helps hundreds of families during the holiday season. Eligible families receive food for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and gifts for children 12 and younger at Christmas. Applications are now open.

To be eligible for Thanksgiving and Christmas food, families must have at least one child under the age of 18 residing in Marion County. To receive Christmas toys, families must have at least one child 12 and younger and live in one of the following zip codes: 34433, 34434, 34473, 34475, 34477, 34478, 34479, 34483.

Applicants need to bring a photo ID with a Marion County address, Social Security cards for adults and children, birth certificates for all children, a lease and utility bill to prove residency and zip code, and proof of food stamps qualification (if eligible).

The cut-off for Thanksgiving food applications is Nov. 15. Other sign-ups run through Dec. 3.

Applicants can sign up from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the emergency assistance office/thrift store at 320 NW 10th St., Ocala.

“This year we are partnering with Toys for Tots. It is only through the generosity of many others in our parish and community that we’re able to provide this assistance each year,” said Jason Halstead, executive director of Brother’s Keeper.

Clients will be assigned a pick-up day and time.

To learn more, go to bkocala.org/holiday-assistance or call (352) 622-3846.