To help these families, call (919) 684-1508 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday through Dec. 11.

All contributions go directly to the people who need your help. The sponsors of Share Your Christmas -- the Durham County Department of Social Services, Volunteer Center of Durham and The Herald-Sun -- donate the administrative costs of this program.

To contribute, make your check out to the Share Your Christmas Program and mail to PO Box 3374 Durham, NC 27702.

Case 29: You might see the 9-year-old son in this family walking to or from the store to buy food. He has learned to try and provide for his siblings, especially the younger ones. This family of six has been homeless recently. Finding housing has been the main priority for the parents, but the children often go without food and basic necessities due to limited resources. This family will not be able to celebrate in the joy that comes with the holiday season if someone doesn't help. Please sponsor this family with clothes, toiletries and little gifts kids aged 3-12 would he so grateful to receive.

Case 34: This single mother of five children, four of whom are under 8, works a full-time job at night to try to meet the basic needs of her family, but the family could really use some help to make Christmas special. She asks nothing for herself, but would love to see her kids get some new clothes and toys.