Local charities need your help during the holidays

"It's tiring but it's worth it when you see the people come in on Thanksgiviging Day and see the smiles on their faces and see them eating their meal, enjoying their meal. It makes you happy."

They're preparing 60 turkeys and they're in need of fresh, store-bought pies. Volunteers are also needed, especially with helping to clean up afterwards.

The Shared Harvest Kitchen Ministry at the Airline Drive Church of Christ is also preparing to serve its first Thanksgiving meal.

"You just can't see when you're driving down the street how many people really are in need," said Holly Schreiber, Director of the Shared Harvest Kitchen Ministry.  "About 5,500 kids, just in Bossier Parish go to bed hungry some nights. So we really just want to make sure people are fed."

Schreiber said there's several ways you can help make their Thanksgiving meal a success.

"We'll take anything. We love having tons of volunteers. The more people, the more you get to interact with those who are coming to eat. We love to have any desserts, any side dishes, anything you want to bring, we're happy to have."

The ministry usually offers free meals to families Mon-Thur. from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving isn't the only holiday local charities are preparing for. The Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission houses the homeless. Its guests have listed three things that they would like for Christmas. All of the gifts cost less than $30. The Mission is hoping people will make its residents Christmas wishes come true.

"The excitement that they have in opening a special gift that was something they wanted is really fun," said D.J. Hejtmanek, Director of Development for the Rescue Mission. "We'll probably have about 300-350 left and we want to make sure that everybody gets taken care of."

The Salvation Army also needs your help in making sure that 6,000 children have their Christmas wishes fulfilled. You can find its angel trees at any local Wal-Mart, Mall or Starbucks. On the trees, you'll find what the children would like for Christmas.

Salvation Army: (318) 424- 3200

Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission: (318) 227-2868