Donate Holiday Gifts, Food to Norcross Co-Op

Last year, the Norcross Cooperative Ministry helped more than 2,800 Norcross children and 850 families by giving them gifts during the holiday season.

Already having accepted 800 family applications for its 2012 Christmas program, the co-op expects to assist even more kids and families than the previous year.

To help with the families in need, the co-op is asking for donations of new, unwrapped gifts for all age. Items for older children ages 8 and up are especially in need, and such presents can be as simple as a gift card to Target or Walmart.

Senior citizens also are given gift cards for grocery stores such as Publix and Kroger to use either on Christmas Day or later.

Amid all the Christmas presents, though, don't forget about the need for non-perishable food items.

"It seems like the demand on our food pantry goes up, too, during December," said Shirley Cabe of the Norcross Cooperative Ministry. 

With a cutoff date of Dec. 15, Christmas donations will be accepted at the co-op from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday, and the staff also will be on hand Tuesdays until 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The Norcross Cooperative Ministry is located at 2275 Mitchell Road.

If you're looking for more or other ways to contribute to the co-op, the staff also is asking for homemade cookies as part of its annual children's Christmas party, filled with punch and Santa and hosted by Peachtree Corners Christian Church. Cookies will be accepted until Dec. 8, the day of the party. 

Do you know of any Norcross nonprofits in need of extra help this holiday season? Tell us in the comments or email Editor Sarah Bakhtiari at sarah.bakhtiari@patch.com.

See also:

• December Festivities Abound at Norcross Library
• Gwinnett Animal Shelter Offering $30 Adoptions
• Give Back During the Holidays With Giving Tuesday

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