As the holidays draw near, local nonprofits are seeing more families walk through their doors — each one looking for help and hope.

Myndi Easter with Buckner Family Services said this time of year brings a surge in need.

“We see people that are coming in needing support for extended family and more children in their homes,” Easter said. “So, we are going to walk alongside them.”

Easter said the need this year is especially noticeable.

“We’re seeing a greater need this year — more families coming in for help, more children to care for — and we’re doing everything we can to walk alongside them,” she said.

Just across town, Nadine Hill, executive director of Mission Center Adult Day Services, said her organization serves an often-forgotten group — adults with disabilities, veterans, and the elderly.

“Helping our disabled neighbors, whether it’s physical or intellectual disabilities, as well as our elderly who are oftentimes forgotten, and our veterans,” Hill said.

While many holiday, drives focus on toys and clothes, both organizations say they’re asking for something different this year — financial gifts and time.

“The financial gifts are going to be able to support counseling needs, housing needs, and our programs,” Easter said.

“The funding we’re seeking is for operations,” Hill added. “Part of our operations would be our programs — things like activities, being able to offer bingo and community outings.”

Hill said the Mission Center has relied on community generosity for nearly four decades.

“Mission Center has been here for 39 years, and we wouldn’t have made it this far without community support,” she said. “We’re fighting every day to make sure we’re still here tomorrow.”

Both leaders say the call for help goes beyond money — it’s about connection.

“Time is a treasure,” Hill said. “As we go into this season, if you have it to spare, be a blessing to someone else and pay it forward — it will come back to you.”

“Here at Buckner, we couldn’t do what we do without our community,” Easter added. “They give not only financially, but of their time and their hearts.”

From families in need of holiday support to adults who rely on daily care, local nonprofits say their message remains the same: the need never stops.