Courtesy Photo United Way of Northeast Michigan Executive Director Joe Gentry stands among the many gifts donated last year by donors who were matched with children for Christmas Wish List. This year’s program is underway, with the goal of matching donors with more than 400 children.

ALPENA — United Way of Northeast Michigan continues its commitment to the Christmas Wish List Program that started 45 years ago.

United Way is seeking donors to match with more than 400 children this year. Last year, donors made it possible to serve 387 youth and families through this program.

The Wish List recipients consist of local families experiencing hardship. United Way works with the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency school success liaisons who identify those families and youth in need and work with the families to identify and confirm the items needed. United Way matches specific recipient requests with donors who agree to fulfill the requested items. United Way collaborates with many other local charitable agencies, organizations and churches to avoid duplication of services.

Monetary donations are vital for the program’s success. Dollars contributed pay for gifts for unmatched requests at the program’s conclusion to assure all nominated families and youth have their needs met. Financial support allows us to provide food, household items and fuel gift cards where needed.

Checks can be made out to United Way of Northeast Michigan, noting “Christmas Wish List” on the memo line. You can mail donations to United Way of Northeast Michigan, 108 Water Street, Alpena, MI 49707. Donations can be made online at www.unitedwaynemi.org designating your donation to Christmas Wish List.

For more information, call 989-354-2221 or email at uwnemi@unitedwaynemi.org. Catherine Abraham will be assisting in matching donors with youth and she can be contacted at 586-703-4019 or at 989-742-4939.

Donors will be matched Oct. 28 through Dec. 1. Gift receiving week will be Dec. 2 through 6 at the Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District, 2118 U.S.-23 (across from Taco Bell). Hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. All gifts must be in by 6 p.m. on Dec. 6.