A major annual project of Martin Volunteers is the White Doves Holiday Project, which has brought food, toys and smiles to thousands of people over the past 18 years.

A key area of concern this year is the rising cost of providing this service. Each White Doves family receives a bag of groceries, a ham or turkey, and – if appropriate – toys for their children. Last year, White Doves served 1,206 families with 3,087 children. The project expects to serve a similar number this year. The cost to serve a family of four is about $200.

Families are referred to White Doves by social service agencies, schools and faith-based groups – organizations who know the families intimately and understand their needs. Clients range from parents with children with disabilities to homebound senior citizens.

“We are grateful to the many organizations, businesses and individuals who devote a wide range of time and resources to White Doves,” said project coordinator Anne Lalley. “But this year the project needs more help than ever.”

There are many opportunities to help, including the Boys Scouts’ Scouting for Food Drive on Nov. 10. Also, toys donated through Toys for Tots in Martin County go to White Doves.

But even these efforts fall short of needs. Especially with the expense of the hams and turkeys, the need for monetary donations is great.

For more information, please contact Anne Lalley at (772) 220-4472, ext. 232, or alalley@martinivolunteers.org. You may also visit www.martinvolunteers.org/whitedoves. An online donation system is available there, or checks may be sent to White Doves Holiday Project, PO Box 362, Stuart, FL 34995.

White Doves is a project of Martin Volunteers, a program of United Way of Martin County.