With the holiday season fast approaching, now is an important time to take stock in the people around us, and not just friends and family. There are an estimated 6,000 people in Erie County who have experienced homelessness in the past year. Seven percent of the Buffalo area population is unemployed. Many people are suffering from life-threatening diseases. In Erie County alone, three thousand people have been diagnosed with cancer. 2014 has been a tough year for a lot of people.

Luckily there are great local organizations that help every day through providing support for those in need. Donations and volunteers are strongly needed during this time, and providing a family with necessary food and shelter is the greatest gift you can give anyone. Buffalo is called the City of Good Neighbors for a reason. Show fellow Buffalonians you care by checking out these organizations:

This organization helps collect food and other supplies for the homeless. In addition, the group also offers free counseling sessions. They are proud to have served 90,357 meals since 2013.

What You Can Do: Donate old clothes & extra food, volunteer

The cancer institute is raising money through December 31st to benefit cancer research. Money donated will help to increase the lifespans of many people, children and adults alike, who suffer from different forms of cancer.

What You Can Do: Donate a $10 registration fee and a toy

The Buffalo branch of the organization is coordinated by the U.S. Marine Corps. They collect thousands of toys around the city to give to children in need on Christmas Day. Keep an eye out for toy drop sites around the city.

What You Can Do: Donate toys, host a drop site, volunteer

These are only a few ways to get involved in the community. Many more organizations exist to help those in need, and the holiday season can be a particularly rough time for those who are down on their luck. Helping others may be the best gift you can give yourself. No matter what organization you choose, your assistance will make a huge difference to a person in need.

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