For many families, it’s a holiday tradition to help those that are less fortunate. Others have been on the receiving end. Others haven’t paid much attention. Here at the Post, we’d like to challenge everyone to start a new family tradition and give a little something back this holiday season.

Toys for Tots is a great program sponsored by the US Marines that gives Christmas presents to children who otherwise might not receive one. All you have to do is purchase one or two extra new toys, and drop them off unwrapped at one of the many drop-off locations across West Michigan. Here in Cedar Springs there is a box inside the Post (36 E. Maple), as well as boxes at Metron (400 Jeffery), Kent County Credit Union (in the White Creek Plaza) and at Cedar Springs High School. The Post will accept toys until December 24.

Angel Tree is another worthwhile program that reaches out to children who have parents that are incarcerated. Cedar Springs businesses that will collect toys for this program include Cedar Springs Family Chiropractic (in the strip mall on the corner of Main and Muskegon—see insert in this week’s paper) and Copies Plus, located at the corner of Main and Beech.

The North Kent Service Center, located on Northland Drive and 12 Mile, is looking for donations of food for their holiday baskets.

The Alpha Family Center, on the corner of First and Cherry, is looking for donations of socks and mittens. You can also help them out by purchasing Christmas cards from them with local children featured on them, or buying a Christmas tree from a local vendor who will donate a portion of the proceeds to them. For more information, call them at 696-2616.