The Hilliard Welfare Council is looking for a few families in need of some help this holiday season.

According to director Debbie Smith, the council is currently asking anyone in the Hilliard school district to submit the names of families that could use extra food and/or toys for the Christmas holiday.

"We typically have a Christmas program every year where we help families in the school district, so we're putting out the word," Smith said. "We're not only looking for families who might need help, but for anyone in the community who might want to offer their assistance as well, whether that's dropping off toys at the fire station, or providing monetary assistance."

Smith said the council has been offering the holiday help to needy families for as long as she can remember.

"I've been involved for at least 10 years, and I'm sure it went on beyond that," she said.

In the past several years, the council has offered help to about 100 families annually, she added.

While the council is busier around the holidays, the non-profit organization provides three main functions year-round, Smith said.

"The Christmas program is one annual event, but we also have a food pantry that operates year round to assist families in the district," she said. "The third thing we do is provide help paying utilities for families who have received a shut-off notice, when we have the funds. We relay solely on the contributions of the citizens of Hilliard, be they food or monetary, to keep going."

Smith said that as the weather has grown cold and the economy continues to be in a state of decline, the council's food pantry has seen more use from residents.

"The need has increased," she said. "We've noticed that over the last few months especially. I think that's why our shelves are a little emptier. But generally speaking the folks in Hilliard are very generous, and they've made this operation successful over the years."

Smith said donations of new toys, games, books and other gifts for children of all ages will be accepted at the Norwich Township Fire Station 83, 4283 Davidson Road, and Fire Station 81, 5181 Northwest Parkway, through Dec. 15 for the holiday program.

"Don't forget the older kids as well, and hats, gloves and mittens could be used also," she said.

While the council's food pantry is currently in the process of restocking, Smith said it can always use extra donations from residents wishing to help.

"Our shelves have been pretty bare at the pantry," she said. "We could use boxed items like spaghetti and Hamburger Helper products, as well as rice, potato products, and the standard canned goods. We don't need green beans right now, though - it seems people really like to donate green beans."

Smith said that those in need of Christmas food and/or toys should contact the Council at 614-205-3815 by Dec. 15.

Any family, church, school, business or other organization willing to "adopt" a family, make a cash donation, or provide other assistance can contact the council at 614-529-9602, she said.