Seasons of Hope, a program of FirstLink and The Salvation Army, is a community wide effort to assure that families and children in need are provided with gifts and food during the holiday season.  Holiday food baskets and Coats for Kids are also available through this application process.

 Since 1974, FirstLink has coordinated the collection and distribution of holiday gifts for  disadvantaged children and special needs adults in Cass and Clay counties.  Last year 4,100 individuals were served due to the generous time and effort of hundreds of volunteers.

 In 2006, FirstLink and the Salvation Army joined forces to better serve our community.  FirstLinks Holiday Clearing Bureau and The Salvation Army Christmas basket program is now one program called Seasons of Hope.

 Registration begins at the Salvation Army October 5^th – November 6^th from 9:00-3:30.  You can register until 7pm on October 8, 12, 22, and the 26^th.  There will also be a make up day for people who missed the November 6^th cut-off.  It will be held December 1^st.

 Applicants must bring a photo ID for head of household, Social Security cards for all household members and proof of income.

 Gifts/Food are to be picked up December 17, 2009 at Centennial Hall in the Fargo Civic Center between 9am-4pm.

 A reminder postcard will be given to the recipient at the date of entry at the Salvation Army.

 You must have the postcard and picture ID with you to pick up your gifts.

 Volunteer Opportunities:

 Giving Tree at West Acres Shopping Mall:

November 27-December 5^th sit at the mall and distribute names to shoppers to buy gifts and to collect gifts when they are returned for Season of Hope.

 December 15th and 16th help set up for the event at the Fargo Civic Center.

 Distribution Day:

Volunteers need to help distribute food and gifts on December 17^th from

 9-4pm.

 Anyone who is interested in volunteering please call 293-6462 and ask for Melissa.  Call your friends and ask co-workers to come and help.

Fargo-Moorhead has many charity organizations that help people in need.