Those in need this holiday season seem more numerous than ever before, but the good news is if everyone pitched in by donating a canned good, unused toy or some spare cash it would make a big difference in the lives of others.Not sure of what the needs are or how you can help? The Royal Gazette’s lifestyle section has compiled a list of some easy ways you can give back.One of the charities that is in need of support is Hands of Love Ministry, run by Fern Wade. She is aiming to assist 350 families and looking for people to donate toys or clothing items for children age five to 12, as well as food vouchers.Mrs Wade said more than 600 families expressed a need for help but due to the economic challenges and difficulties finding sponsorship they could only assist about half.“The level of need has practically had me overwhelmed because so many people are out of work,” she said. “We not only have got mothers out of work, but fathers out of work so that makes the burden even greater.“It’s very hard, but I try to do the best I can. We had a lady come in a few weeks ago who just lost her job and is on financial assistance and she has nothing two children, no support from the dad.”She said some would have a ‘Merry Christmas’, but others would be having a ‘Worry Christmas’. However, if the community bans together and does its best to help one another “we should be fine,” she added.Hands of Love Ministry, located near Wok Express and Heron Bay School in Southampton, will collect goods until Saturday.Donations can also be made via mail: PO Box HM3281 Hamilton, HMPX.The Centre Against Abuse is another charity that is looking for grocery vouchers to help their clients get through the holiday period.Rosana Vickers said some clients stayed with the shelter for a short period and had to start afresh once they moved out on their own.“They start with nothing in their cabinets, so we would sometimes give them bags of groceries or grocery vouchers where they can pick up what they need.”The centre is also looking for a new or used printer.Ms Vickers said: “It’s on its way out and we have been having some challenges with it and we would like to have another one. We are grateful for anything we can get.”You can also help the centre by donating a dolly cart to its Dress for Success thrift store, to help the ladies move items around the facility more easily. They are also hoping to get a tool kit to help them make repairs within the store.Contact them on 292-4366 or info@centreagainstabuse.bm .The Salvation Army is expected to spend almost $100,000 in a bid to put food on the tables of 1,400 families this Christmas. Monetary donations can be made by calling 292-0601.This year the Phenomenal Women’s Association will be gearing its Wish List Campaign to needy seniors in the community.They are asking for people to donate vouchers, which may also be purchased to pay utility bills at Belco, the Bermuda Telephone Company or Bermuda Gas & Utility. They are also in need of vouchers for prescription medicine or groceries.Monetary donations can be made via the group’s HSBC charity account, cheques can be mailed to PO Box HM 2061 Hamilton, HM HX.The charity is hoping to assist as many seniors as possible through public support, but they are also looking for volunteers. For more information e-mail phenomenal-lady@hotmail.com or contact Denise Wilson Adams at phenomenal-denise@hotmail.com.