The year’s first call about Christmas help came in at the Rowan County United Way office back in September.

“A single mother of three called and asked if we did anything to help with Christmas,” says Jackie Harris, campaign and marketing director at the local United Way.

The United Way coordinates the application process for several groups through the Rowan County Christmas Bureau. Harris told the young mother the dates and times she could apply and what to bring.

“She was so excited,” Harris says. “She does work but does not make a whole lot.”

That mother and other families who need help providing gifts for their children can apply through the Christmas Bureau beginning Friday.

The Christmas Bureau takes applications for several programs that help provide gifts for children 12 and under: the Salvation Army Angel Tree, the Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, Toys for Tots, Project Santa and Arc of Rowan’s Operation Santa.

Volunteers will take applications at the J.F. Hurley YMCA, 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. W., at these times:

• Friday, Nov. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Depending on families’ needs and requests, they may be approved to receive food, clothing, toys or vouchers for their children from the participating agencies. The items will be distributed at a later date in December.

Most of the allocations are modest — a gift or voucher worth about $30 per child — but that’s a lot of money to a family struggling to make ends meet.

Applicants will need to bring the following:

• ID/drivers license

• W-7 for each member of the household

• If ID is expired, lease and utility bill

• Medicaid card

• Birth certificates for children 12 & under

• Proof of all income and expenses

• Unemployment

• Custody papers, if guardian