The Department of Community and Human Services kicked off its annual Holiday Sharing Program with families lining up Oct. 13 outside the DCHS offices on Mount Vernon Ave. to begin registering for the program.

The program helps foster children, families in need and senior or disabled/adults by providing gifts during the holidays.

According to DCHS, approximately 500 low-income families have been registered so far with more than 700 expected to be signed up by the end of the month. For the majority of the registered children, gifts received through the Holiday Sharing Program will be the only ones they open on Christmas morning.

Participation is need-based and families are screened during registration. A list of toys and clothing that each participating child wants for the holidays is provided to DCHS and passed on to donors. Individuals, companies and groups can complete an online sponsorship registration form to participate.

DCHS will match families to the sponsors and gifts are dropped off at DCHS during distribution week in December or directly to the families’ homes. The focus of the program is primarily on family requests for necessities for children and a few toys.

Monetary donations can be made online by credit card. Checks made payable to The Fund for Alexandria's Child or the DCHS Senior Fund can be mailed to: Holiday Sharing Program, 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Va. 22301

For more information, contact holidaysharing@alexandriava.gov, call 703-746-5663 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/holidaysharing.