State Sen. Patty Ritchie has issued an urgent appeal to northern New Yorkers, asking them to add just one more item to their last-minute Christmas shopping lists to help complete the holiday for a needy child.

Ritchie said she had been contacted by several local organizations throughout her district in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Oswego counties who are worried that a sharp increase in the number of requests for help means some children will not be receiving anything this Christmas.

"A lot of groups that help children at Christmas time are telling me that they need help right away," Ritchie said. "Time is running out. The agencies say they will be turning children away this year unless something happens. I am asking my friends and the people of Central and Northern New York to join me in making sure no child wakes up Christmas morning thinking Santa forgot them."

Ritchie said that people may bring contributions to her district office at 330 Ford St., Ogdensburg, in basement of City Hall, until next Friday, Dec. 23.

“I know that many families have already purchased a gift for programs that are run by these organizations, as well as local churches and civic organizations, but the need is still great, and even the donation of one additional gift can mean a lot to a child and family in need,” Ritchie said.

Gifts should be new and unwrapped. Suggestions for gift donations include toys, dolls, models, games, winter clothes, hats, scarves, mittens, video games and gift cards.