Holiday Help Drive opens applications for families in need

Courtesy of the Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on Facebook

Applications are now open for families in need to receive holiday meals and toys through the Blessed Trinity Catholic Church’s Holiday Help Drive.

Brother’s Keeper, a ministry of the church, is partnering with Toys for Tots this year to bring eligible families Christmas toys. The holiday drives also allow eligible families to receive food on both Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to their informational flyer.

“It is only through the generosity of many others in our parish and community that we’re able to provide assistance each year,” according to the flyer.

The sign-ups are open until Dec. 1. To receive Thanksgiving food, applicants must sign up by Nov. 10. Applicants must have 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 applicable, according to the flyer.

Families with at least one child under the age of 18 are eligible for Thanksgiving and Christmas food. Families with at least one child under 12 are eligible for Christmas gifts, if living in the following ZIP codes: 34434, 34470, 34473, 34475, 34477, 34478, 34479 and 34433.

Food and gifts will be picked up at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1510 SE Third Ave., Ocala; bring a photo ID. Thanksgiving pickup will happen on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Christmas pickup will happen on Dec. 12 or 13 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Clients will be assigned a pickup day and time.