Many thanks to the dozens of volunteers who helped the Rowan County Christmas Bureau on two days in November and one day this month. Coordinated by our local United Way, the bureau takes applications from families who need help providing Christmas gifts for their children. Depending on the type of help needed, the applications are then divided among the Salvation Army Angel Tree, the Post’s Christmas Happiness Fund, Toys for Tots, Project Santa and Operation Santa.

According to Bob Lippard, executive director of the United Way of Rowan County, the three days of intake resulted in 796 families being assisted with 2,074 children set to receive toys, clothing or food. The items will be distributed later this week.

“May God bless you and your families for providing love and compassion during the holidays for your neighbors!” Lippard said in an email to the volunteers.

Amen. Programs that help people at Christmas are fueled by donations of cash, toys and other items. And the Christmas Bureau relies heavily on the work of Lippard and Jackie Harris at the United Way. But these efforts would not get far without that other precious commodity — volunteers’ time.