Thanksgiving is over now, and Christmas is just around the corner.

Many people have already begun their stressful holiday shopping filled with large crowds and long lines in hopes of finding the best deal on their gifts for a special someone. Some people do not get to enjoy this luxury, if you can call it a luxury, but you can help these families have a much brighter holiday.

Hundreds of charities sponsor programs at this time of year to aid those who are less fortunate. Because it is often difficult to figure out which programs to support, here’s a sample of charities being sponsored in the area this year:

•Santa’s Village for We Care Ministries

Sponsored by Martin Parks and Recreation, C.E. Weldon Public Library, & UT Martin

Who Can Participate: Anyone

Contact Information: Martin Parks and Recreation, 587-6784

How It Works: Santa’s Village is held at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex at UTM, and admission is a suggested donation of $5 worth of nonperishable food and/or toys. These items benefit local charities, such as Chimes for Charity.

Deadline: Santa’s Village will open on Dec. 7-8 from 6-9 p.m., Dec. 9 from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., and Dec. 10 from 1-5 p.m.

•Save Lids to Save Lives

Sponsored Locally by Sodexho & Zeta Tau Alpha

Who Can Participate: Anyone

Contact Information: Coco Boone, 881-1390, cocob@utm.edu

How It Works: Donate PINK Yoplait lids on campus at JW’s Market in the University Center, Gooch Hall, Ellington Hall, or Browning Hall. This fundraising event will provide money toward research that will benefit the cure for Breast Cancer. For each lid donated, Yoplait will contribute 10 cents to the Foundation, up to $1.5 million.

Deadline: Dec. 8, 2006

•Outback Victim Assistance Program

Sponsored by SABER

Who Can Participate: Anyone

Contact Information: Dr. Jennifer Y. Levy, 881-7720

How It Works: Participants are asked to donate toiletry items, household items, school supplies, clothing, and extras such as makeup items and jewelry. Also, new or gently used toys and children’s books would be appreciated.

Deadline: End of the Semester. Donations may be brought to the Counseling Center on the second floor of the University Center.

•Can Caravan for Santa’s Village

Sponsored by SAAC

Who Can Participate: Anyone

Contact Information: Danelle Fabianich, 881-7663, danellef@utm.edu

How It Works: Donations of canned foods are needed.

Deadline: Dec. 8, 2006