The Massena Neighborhood Center's Christmas program is under way and is taking applications.

They can be submitted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Nov. 3 to Dec. 4. Turn them in at the Massena Community Center, 61 Beach St.

Needy families can receive turkeys, hams and other perishable items to make Christmas dinner, along with gift cards for children. Dependents under age 13 each get a warm hat and mittens, toothbrush, toothpaste and a coloring or activity book with colored pencils or crayons.

The Neighborhood Center says they served 489 families last year. That included 655 children and 123 seniors. They anticipate meeting or exceeding that number for 2014.

They are taking donations. One thing they say they need is new hats and mittens for infants through teens. They can be purchased or homemade.

Drop off donations of cash or goods at the Community Center.

Elementary school children will be making “Touch a Hand Touch a Heart” paper hands, which will be sold at local businesses. All proceeds go to the Christmas program.

The program also serves Brasher, North Lawrence, Louisville, Lawrenceville, Helena, Norfolk, Raymondville, Rooseveltown and parts of Chase Mills.

Info: Jill Butler, 769-3140