FREDERICK, MD - It may be warm outside, but it's almost Christmas, and the less fortunate need your help.

The Frederick County Department of Social Services needs people to adopt a child, senior citizen, or family for the Holiday Gift Project.

"The people who we're working with for our program, they're foster children, they're really vulnerable senior citizens, adults, and families in need who really wouldn't have a holiday without the support of our program," says Jennifer Long, who runs the program. "It's amazing just to help the families who really would have nothing."

The program runs through December 21st. Some items on people's wish lists include the basics such as towels, clothing, and toiletries.

"We just want our families to be able to enjoy the holidays like everybody does, to be able to have grocery cards so that they can enjoy a holiday meal," says Long. "A lot of our kids are getting winter coats."

Last year the program helped more than 360 kids and families in addition to almost 80 seniors confined to their homes.

"This is my fourth year doing this project, and the outpouring of emotion and gifts is just incredible," says Long. "Our community is really fantastic and gives so much to these families."

To donate to the program, contact Jennifer Long at jlong@dhr.state.md.us or (301) 600-4544.