Catholic Charities Holy Family Food Pantry in Springfield needs help to fill 450 Christmas food baskets for struggling families and give Christmas gifts to 1,500 children ("angels"), whose families are in need.

The Springfield area Catholic Charities office changed its angel gift program this year. Instead of volunteer donors assigned a particular child in a family, donors are asked  to purchase gifts in perennial popular categories: pajamas and nightwear for ages 1-18; learning toys, electronic gifts and games, popular children's movies and toys; baby dolls of all races; sports equipment and sleeping bags.

"The unwrapped gifts are put in a Christmas store, where parents can come and choose a gift they know their children will like," said Danielle Zellers, CC Springfield area director.

"We always need food at the food pantry, and we really can use just about anything. Simple things, like peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti things, are constantly needed," she said. Other items needed include: canned fruit, pancake mix and syrup, Helper meals, cereal, soups, baked beans, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry baskets, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Donations can be dropped off at Catholic Charities, 1023 E. Washington, Springfield, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Distribution of the Christmas food baskets starts Dec. 17.

Janet Nelson, supervisor of Holy Family Food Pantry, thanked everyone who contributed to the agency at Thanksgiving. "We served a traditional turkey meal with all the trimmings and a one-week supply of food to 393 families in November," said Nelson. "This could not be done without the love and support of our community.

"You are Catholic Charities. Your generosity helps make it possible for Catholic Charities to fulfill our mission, ‘to extend to all the healing and empowering presence of Jesus.'"