Charities work hard year round to make sure people have their needs met and at Christmas they go above and beyond to make the season brighter.This holiday some charities are preparing meals, donating Christmas trees and handing out gifts to children and seniors, but none of it would be possible without public donations.Some organisations are still appealing for help and encourage people to think of others at this special time of year.The Centre Against Abuse is asking for gift certificates for groceries and clothing items to help the women and children they serve.According to Laurie Shiell, the charity's executive director, many victims of abuse come to the shelter with only the clothes on their back and have to start their lives from scratch.Their ‘adopt a family' programme runs all year round, but they “push” it at Christmas. This year local companies like underwriting firm Amlin Bermuda have come forward to take part by giving gift certificates.For some people it is extremely invaluable because it can be a choice between paying their rent or buying food for their children, Ms Shiell said. She added: “There is still a big need because it is not just through the Christmas period. It's all throughout the year that individuals may come to us for help.”Erica Fulton, programme manager for Friends of Hospice said the patients would be having a full holiday meal prepared by a chef, thanks to a donation from an anonymous company. The company also donated flatscreen TVs with in-built DVD players for each hospice bed and staff have decorated the facility to lift the patients' spirits.Santa will also be coming on his motorbike to hand out gifts on Christmas Day, Ms Fulton said, adding: “I think it is just nice to have the Christmas cheer brought to them and it reminds them of happy memories.”The charity is still appealing for volunteers for next year and interested parties can now sign up for a training programme in the spring. There is also a need for toiletries like shampoo and shaving cream and monetary donations are always welcome.Martha Dismont, Executive Director of The Family Centre, said the organisation put together food baskets, donated Christmas trees and also gave children gifts during a recent holiday party.She said the charity had seen an increase in the number of families using its services and donations were needed to keep up with the demand.There is need for cash to add to their “emergency family fund” which gives clients help in paying bills or buying essential household items like refrigerators, said Ms Dismont.The donations “give people a sense of hope to know there is someone that cares. People have a sense of self worth and don't feel like it's a hand out,” she said.Michelle Wade, executive director of Teen Services said the young mothers at the Teen Haven shelter were in need of Pampers, baby formula and household supplies year round.“It's always an ongoing need with the haven for such things as Pampers, formula, baby powder and lotion for baby and mom. We also always need everyday items like towels, sheets, pillow cases, dish cloths and basic stuff like laundry detergent and dish washing liquid.”The organisation is also currently looking for volunteers for their tag day in February and people to assist them with their Outstanding Teen Awards in March. Eight organisations have already come forward to help the shelter and their donations went towards a holiday party earlier this month.Ms Wade said the organisation suffered last year due to the economic crisis and had to cut down some staff hours, but said this year: “We have been blessed. We have done quite well.”Marilyn Bell, programme director for Age Concern, said the organisation would remain open Monday to Friday from 9 -4pm make sure seniors have appropriate services that meet their need over the holiday.She said: “The holiday season is a busy time as individuals rush about shopping for gifts, cooking tasty treats and spending time with their family. Often overlooked during the Christmas holiday season are older adults and shut-ins. Their holidays can be lonely and depressing particularly, if for some reason they are prevented from spending time with their family and physical limitations stop them from doing traditional holiday activities.”