More than half a dozen families in Cornwall are being helped this year by the United Way's Gifts of Christmas program.
The annual holiday program provides gifts and food for local families that are coming up short at this time of year.
Kim Lauzon, interim executive director of the local United Way office, said there are five families being helped out by the agency directly, while a Cornwall business is helping out another family.
The business has chosen to stay anonymous, as has another family who is helping out an underprivileged city couple and their children.
"We want to make sure they have all the fixings for the holidays," said Lauzon in an interview.
Many families, which include the working poor in some cases, have the items delivered when the children aren't home.
"That way the kids don't know that mom and dad receive help," said Lauzon. "When they get home they are just so excited. It's really very special."
United Way staff were wrapping presents Wednesday for the program. The items are delivered the week prior to Christmas.
The United Way reached 50 per cent of its $685,000 goal with a couple of $20,000 donations from Scotiabank and local dentist Rachel Navaneelan.
