As Christmas time approaches, we count our blessings. Some, however, need help finding their holiday joy. The season opens hearts and, for many, a desire to give. If you want to help others fill their wish lists, consider:

• The Vineyard Transitional Center needs clean and colored T-shirts and socks, bleach, detergent and fabric softener. Items can be left at the Clay County Tax Collector’s Office, 477 Houston St. in Green Cove Springs.

• Mercy Support Services is looking for artificial Christmas trees for needy families. The office is at 515 College Dr. in Middleburg. For more information, call (904) 297-4052.

• Salvation Army’s Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns will collect money for community programs, toys, clothes and gifts for needy children. Children fill out request cards, and those wishlist cards are at the Orange Park Mall Food Court and the Clay County Corps office at 2795 County Road 220 in Middleburg. Call (904) 276-6677 to help.

• Clay County Toys for Tots collection boxes are located throughout the county. The U.S. Marines Corps Reserve needs new, unwrapped toys for 5,000 children whose parents can’t afford Christmas gifts. To find the nearest dropoff location, visit toysfortots.org.

• J.P. Hall Children’s Charities Christmas Party collects toys for children 14 and older. They will be divided into gift bags that are gender and age-appropriate and given away in a drive-thru event at the Clay County Fairgrounds on Dec. 16. To find the nearest collection box, call (904) 860-8739.

• The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with local organizations to assist county families with limited means to prepare traditional Christmas dinners. Suggested items include instant rice, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese cups, gravy packets, canned vegetables, dinner rolls, holiday desserts, canned fruit, and cranberry sauce. Remember, some of these items may go to seniors who have difficulties opening cans and jars. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday at the Sheriff’s office at 901 N. Orange Ave. in Green Cove Springs and the substation at 1845 Town Center Blvd., Suite 500, on Fleming Island.