Today is Thanksgiving Day, and many of us have much to be thankful for. But there are those in our community who have little to celebrate. We can make a difference in their lives by providing gifts for the holidays.

For decades, the organization called For Love of Children (FLOC) has been providing Christmas for kids who typically would not experience the joy of the holiday. All members of the organization are volunteers.

Beth Mann, president of the non-profit group’s board, says the families in need have typically come from Children’s Services.

“In the past couple of years, we’ve opened our cottage to include families in need as much as we possibly can,” Mann said. The organization is entirely run by volunteers who collect donations from the community, then sort and distribute them.

“We like our parents to feel empowered and connected with the Christmas holiday they are sharing with their children, so we invite them to come in and shop,” Mann said. “They are each provided with a personal shopper.”

Last year, the organization provided gifts for more than 1,660 children age 18 and younger.

The annual drive kicked off Nov. 12 and continues through Dec. 10. Mann says 100 percent of items and monies donated are given to the children.

Here’s what they need. All items must be new and unwrapped. The community is asked not to donate toy weapons.

• Grooming Kits for men and women
• Fragrances/Perfumes
• Bath/Lotion Sets
• Manicure/Pedicure Kits
• Blow Dryers
• Flat Irons/ Curling Irons
• Ethnic Hair Care Products Grooming Kits
• Hip Hop CDs
• DVD Players/ DVDs, MP3 Players, boom boxes
• Handheld games
• Jewelry, watches
• Baseball Caps, balls of all kinds, sports equipment
• Sports apparel
• Telephones
• Cameras
• Craft and scrapbooking supplies
• Bicycles
• Board games
• Toys and dolls
• Kitchen sets
• Doll houses
• Remote Control Vehicles
• Scooters/Skateboards
• Educational toys
• Legos
• Books
• Purses, billfolds
• Stroller, car seats
• Activity bars, learning toys for infants
• Baby monitors
• Blocks/stacking toys
• Gift cards for all types of stores

The gifts can be taken to 44 locations throughout our area. For the complete list, check out www.flocdayton.org.

You’ll see barrels at Hara Arena, Austin Landing, El Meson restaurant, Jaffe Jewelers, Uno’s in downtown Dayton, Wright Memorial Library, Jeff Schmitt car dealerships, and any Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz location. They can also be taken to FLOC headquarters at Talbott Tower, 128 W. First St. Since hours are irregular, it’s best to call Beth Mann after 11 a.m. at (937) 657-9393. If you have a number of items that need to be picked up, special arrangements can be made.