ALPENA — The Christmas Wish List has officially kicked off, matching gift recipients to donors, and the phones are very busy. If you can’t get through, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.

Through the Christmas Wish List, United Way of Northeast Michigan matches generous donors with the specific wishes of needy children in our community. The families of hundreds of local children are struggling financially during this time of year. An ideal way to contribute is to combine resources with a work group or family members. Some donors choose to give to others less fortunate in lieu of gifts to one another. This can grow into a wonderful holiday tradition.

To be matched with a family, please call 586-703-4019 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please make sure you are matched with a child or family before purchasing items.

After calling to be matched with a family, each donor will receive a printout they can take to the store with them, listing the recipient’s name, age, size of clothes needed, and any additional gift requests such as art supplies or board games. The donor will then purchase the items listed, wrap the gifts and label them with the corresponding child’s number, and bring the wrapped gifts to the Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District offices on U.S.-23 across from Taco Bell in Alpena. Gifts must be dropped off only during the week of Monday, Dec. 2 through Friday, Dec. 6. Hours that week are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.

If you prefer not to shop, your cash donation will allow the United Way staff to purchase needed items as well as food baskets and grocery gift cards. Please send donations to United Way of Northeast Michigan, 108 Water Street, Alpena, MI 49707.

United Way of Northeast Michigan works with the Salvation Army, Marine Corps Toys for Tots, and the Vietnam Vets Toys for Kids programs to ensure that services are not duplicated. This safeguards donors’ funds and ensures that all who need services are provided for.