MASSENA -- The Society of St. Vincent De Paul is soliciting donations to help needy families in the Massena community during the Christmas season.

The Society operates a thrift store on Main Street, which accepts used clothing, furniture and house wares. The money from the thrift store is used to meet operating expenses and to supplement other charitable projects.

Society charitable projects include an emergency food pantry; a monthly food distribution program; an infant and toddler program, which provides formula, food and diapers; and emergency medical assistance, shelter, rent, utilities and transportation.

The Society serves almost 1,500 people per month, with numbers continuing to increase. Last Christmas season the Christmas program provided food boxes and children’s gifts to nearly 295 families, including 434 children. The Christmas program donations are garnered primarily through food drives, Angel trees and monetary donations from the community.

Requests have only grown in the last year, and the Society is seeking donations to fund the Christmas program.

For more information or to volunteer, contact 769-1200.