(This is the 23rd annual Empty Stocking story, in which the Tribune highlights the needs of families in the area. We invite the community to donate to the agencies that are helping these families to make sure none of them have empty stockings on Christmas morning. Do not send your donations to the Tribune. All money and donations should be given to the agencies.)

Charles Hall Youth Services

Established in 1965, Charles Hall Youth Services helps about 100 troubled teens a year in its three group homes in Bismarck.

The homes can provide help for 27 teens at any given time, but because Charles Hall is a less-restrictive placement option than others of its kind, the numbers tend to fluctuate throughout the year.

Rhonda Jacobs, volunteer and special projects coordinator for the agency, said the average stay for teens is about four to six months, but a stay could last anywhere from a day or two to two years.

Because of the changing numbers of kids staying there and who they are, Jacobs says it's difficult to come up with a good Christmas list.

She said the best thing for those wishing to help is to purchase gift cards that will be given to the teens so they can buy what they need.

Jacobs said gift cards from Target, Wal-Mart, Scheels or JCPenny would be greatly appreciated by the home and by the kids.

"We'll do the shopping for you and you will know that a child will have at least one gift because of you," Jacobs said.

Jacobs added that for the past several years, a group of women who attended the group's Angel Tea fundraiser hae been able to provide the kids with goodies and stocking-stuffers.

That's not the case this year, she said. "There will not be an Angel Tea this year, so we are asking for help," she said.

Charles Hall serves youth from ages 12 to 18, and here's a list of some stocking-stuffers that will help make this a merrier holiday season:

n Girls - body lotions, liquid shower soap, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, lip gloss or lip ice, jewelry, gift certificates to Starbuck's, Barnes and Noble, movie rental stores, theaters or bowling alleys, puzzle-word find books, mechanical pencils, lead, eraser, brushes, combs, ponytail holders, manicure sets. small picture frames, DVDs (nothing R-rated), disposable cameras, fast food gift certificates, socks.

n Boys: liquid shower soap, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, gift cards/certificates for movies, theaters, bowling, fast food-pizza, socks, disposable cameras, brushes and combs, wallets, fingernail clippers, DVDs (nothing R-rated), hand-held electronic games, mechanical pencils, lead and eraser.

Gifts can be dropped off by Dec. 15 at the Charles Hall Youth Services Administrative Offices at 513 E. Bismarck Expressway.

The office is located in the lower level of the three-story office building between Di Donna's and Bianco Realty.

For additional information, call Charles Hall at 255-2773.

- Brian Gehring

Ruth Meiers

Hospitality House

Ruth Meiers Hospitality House was established to help people who are struggling with homelessness. The organization is named after a former North Dakota lieutenant governor, the late Ruth Meiers.

The children in the shelter are always "adopted" by community members, so children's needs aren't listed, said social worker Lori Johnson-Walker, director of housing.

The following needs are for the adult men and women served by Ruth Meiers:

n City bus passes and gift certificates to grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and retail stores such as Wal-Mart or Target.

n Hats, gloves and scarves, socks, pajama pants, underwear and undershirts in a variety of sizes, both regular and thermal.

n Men's winter coats and men's coveralls in sizes large, X-large and XX-large.

n Backpacks, duffel bags and men's wallets.

n Triple-blade disposable razors, shave gel/cream, body wash, shampoo, travel containers for bar soap, toothbrushes and toiletries, and travel coffee mugs.

n Phone and calling cards with smaller amounts of time to let people call home for the holidays.

n Movie passes or puzzle books, such as word finds, crosswords and Sudoku.

Drop off or send all items to Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, 1800 E. Broadway Ave., Bismarck, N.D. 58501. For more information, call 222-2108.

- Karen Herzog

Community Action

Community Action Region VII Inc., which serves low-income families and individuals in need, is seeking help for at least 100 children for the holiday season.

"We appreciate the help we get for the children and teens," said Andrea Werner, self-reliance coordinator for the organization. "We can use new toys, books, art supplies, games, puzzles, movies, gift cards, new clothes, hats and mittens."

Those interested can inquire about clothing sizes needed by calling 258-2240.

She asks that items for the children and teens be age appropriate.

"A big need is teenage boy and girl gifts," Werner said. She said perfume kits are ideal for the girls and gift cards allow all genders to choose.

She said there are more adults making inquiries.

"Their money is not stretching the way it used to. Things cost more," Werner said. "The adults can use gift cards for grocery stores, gas stations and (budget chain stores). They are requesting things like house items, such as sheets, pots and pans, silverware, towels and personal items."

Canned and non-perishable food items are again welcome to fill the Community Action food pantry. Gift cards and cash donations are welcome for other items.

"We want to make holiday baskets for them at Thanksgiving and Christmas," Werner said. "We can use cash donations to buy gifts or food items."

Check donations and food donations can be sent to Community Action, 2105 Lee Ave., Bismarck, N.D. 58504.

"We appreciate the help we get," Werner said.

- LeAnn Eckroth

Aid Inc.

As the nation's economic problems trickle into North Dakota, Aid Inc. has begun seeing more people having trouble making ends meet.

"We're seeing more of what used to be called the middle class," said Roxi Polzin, client service provider for Aid Inc.

Polzin said approximately 300 people are homeless in Burleigh and Morton counties on a daily basis, and that number could grow as economic problems continue to plague the country. Aid Inc. knows of 19 homeowners facing foreclosure in the two counties, which could put many more people out on the street.

Aid Inc. began in Mandan 25 years ago in September to "help the working poor," Polzin said. The organization assists people who "fall through the cracks" and have hard times, but don't qualify for other types of assistance such as low-income housing.

Aid Inc. helps people in many ways, including providing past due rent or utilities payments. The non-profit organization also runs two food pantries, which are funded by two thrift shops, United Way funding and public and private donations.

As the holiday season approaches, Aid Inc. needs a variety of items, Polzin said. "We use everything," she said.

Canned foods are always needed at the food pantries, as are meats. Though the state health department has prohibited food banks from distributing venison killed with lead bullets, bow-hunted deer meat is OK, Polzin said.

Hygiene items are always needed, and facial tissues and toilet paper also are helpful.

Transit passes are in high demand this year, as more people need public transportation to get to school and work.

"That's a big need," Polzin said.

Donations can be dropped off at Brightens Thrift Shop at 404 Airport Road in Bismarck.

For more information, call Roxi Polzin at 223-9150.

- JennyMichael

BECEP

The Bismarck Early Childhood Education Program provides an early start for learning and a resource for parents. The program is operated out of the former Richholt Elementary School. It is comprised of four programs: Head Start, early childhood special education, early intervention and Right Track.

Some programs have income guidelines for participation. All the programs incorporate the family with education, resources and a parent council.

Many of the families served by BECEP and its Head Start program are trying to meet the needs of their families. Christmas needs for the BECEP children of these families include educational toys and puzzles, books, board games, Legos, blocks, art supplies and dolls. Household needs include personal hygiene products, laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, paper towels, toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Head Start children also are in need of clothing such as snow pants and coats (sizes 4-6), shoes and boots (sizes 9-13).

BECEP also will accept monetary donations for families in emergency situations or gas coupons, grocery store gift certificates and CAT bus tickets. These can be delivered to Richholt School at 720 N. 14th St. in Bismarck, or mailed to BECEP, 806 N. Washington St., Bismarck, N.D., 58501. For more information about the needs or the programs, call Conna Cook at 323-4425 or Pam Haak at 323-4436.

- Sara Kincaid

AARC

More than 11,000 adults in a seven-county area contacted the Abused Adult Resource Center for help in 2007; more than 1,000 were new victims of domestic violence, affecting 779 children.

Every year, adults contact AARCfor help, guidance and encouragement. Some seek shelter at Pam's House, some need help sustaining and surviving.

One example was a woman who had been with her abuser since she was a teenager. After the man shot himself in front of her and her children, she was able to relocate and rebuild her family's life with the help of AARC.

One service is the Hope for the Holidays program, which reached out to 441 people during the 2007 holiday season, said Cassondra Keller, volunteer and special events coordinator.

Individuals and businesses can adopt a family for the holiday season, giving back to those who may need it most during these difficult economic times.

Here are the needs of most families, although each family may have specific requests:

n Adults:Underwear, socks, personal hygiene items, hair brushes, shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, cleaning products, bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, pillows, linens, utensils, phone cards, gift cards, vehicle maintenance and gas cards.

n Children:Durable toys, Tonka trucks, army men, Barbie dolls, play food/kitchen items, baby dolls, Legos/building blocks, cars/trucks, diapers, socks, underwear and clothing.

AARC can be reached at 222-8370.

-Crystal R. Reid