Applications are now available for people hoping to receive assistance from the Potsdam Holiday Fund program, which provides new toys, warm clothing and food to area families with children and to senior citizens in need. College students with children who are in need of assistance are eligible as well.

The program is being coordinated by a group of volunteers in the community. The Potsdam Holiday Fund serves residents in Potsdam, Madrid, Hopkinton, Nicholville, Brasher Falls, Chase Mills, Fort Jackson, West Stockholm and Winthrop.

Applications can be picked up at the following locations: Potsdam: post office, Potsdam Neighborhood Center, Evergreen Park office, Debra Drive Apartments office, Midtown Apartments office, Mayfield Apartments office, Potsdam Central Schools main offices and nurses’ offcice, Canton-Potsdam Hospital and Potsdam Head Start.

In Hannawa Falls locations include the post office and Helping Hands of Potsdam. They are also available at post offices in Madrid, West Stockholm, Winthrop, Nicholville and Fort Jackson; also in the library and town office in Hopkinton.

Other locations in the area include: Renewal House, One Stop Career Center, St. Lawrence County Community Services, Office for the Aging, Social Services, Public Health, Cerebral Palsy of the North Country.

Applications are available at SUNY Potsdam in the Non-traditional Student Lounge in Carson Hall, and the PACES Administrative Services in 129 Merritt Hall. Students at Clarkson University can find applications at the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies Office, Dean of Students Office, Institute for Sustainable Environment, Occupational Therapy Studies Office and International Graduate Studies Office.

The application and income guidelines are also available on-line at www.potsdamholidayfund.org/apply. The deadline is Monday, Nov. 30, and can be mailed to the Potsdam Holiday Fund, Inc., PO Box 827, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Food baskets will be delivered or can be picked up Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Castle Drive. Distribution of gifts and clothing is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 19, at the United Methodist Church in Potsdam.

As in the past, applicants are asked to provide verification of income and age for all members of their household. The guidelines for eligibility are the same as the guidelines used by the Potsdam Neighborhood Center.