Applications are now available to receive assistance from the Potsdam Holiday Fund program, which provides new toys, warm clothing and food to area families with children and to senior citizens in need. College students with children who are in need of assistance are eligible as well.

The program is being coordinated by a group of volunteers in the community. The Potsdam Holiday Fund serves residents in Potsdam, Madrid, Hopkinton, Nicholville, Brasher Falls, Chase Mills, Fort Jackson, West Stockholm and Winthrop.

Applications may be picked up at the following locations:

Potsdam: Post Office, Potsdam Neighborhood Center, Evergreen Park Office, Debra Drive Apartments Office, Midtown Apartments Office, Mayfield Apartments Office, Potsdam Central Schools (elementary, middle and high school nurses’ offices), Canton-Potsdam Hospital and Potsdam Head Start

SUNY Potsdam: Karen Ham, Career Planning Office in 206 Sisson Hall, and the PACES Administrative Services in 129 Merritt Hall

Clarkson University: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies Office, Dean of Students Office, Physician Assistant Studies, Institute for Sustainable Environment, and International Graduate Studies Office

Hannawa Falls: Post Office, Helping Hands of Potsdam, Inc.

Madrid: Post Office

West Stockholm: Post Office

Winthrop: Post Office

Nicholville and Fort Jackson: Post Office

Hopkinton: Library

Other locations in the area include: Renewal House, One Stop Career Center, St. Lawrence County Community Services, Office for the Aging, Social Services, Public Health, Cerebral Palsy of the North Country

The application and income guidelines are also available on-line at www.potsdamholidayfund.org/apply.

Deadline for the applications is November 30. Applications may be mailed to the Potsdam Holiday Fund, Inc., PO Box 827, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Food baskets will be delivered or can be picked up on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints on Castle Drive, off of Leroy Street) in Potsdam. Distribution of gifts and clothing is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20 at the United Methodist Church in Potsdam.

As in the past, applicants are asked to provide verification of income and age for all members of their household. The guidelines for eligibility are the same as the guidelines used by the Potsdam Neighborhood Center.