Give at Thanksgiving

The St. Joseph County United Way is requesting prospective donors who typically give food or money at Christmas to consider making a donation at Thanksgiving instead.

The Centreville-based agency in 2011 provided about 150 food baskets at Christmas because of donations from local companies and individuals in need a little extra help.

This year, the Department of Human Services has requested help from the United Way for next week’s holiday instead of Christmas. There is an abundance of donations at Christmas and very little at Thanksgiving, according to local United Way executive director Kelly Hostetler.

Collections have already begun and potential donors may contact the United Way office in Centreville at 467-9099.

Hostetler said agency officials will also pick up food items being offered for donation.