MIDDLEBORO — The “Giving Tree” program, sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, will kick off Wednesday, Oct. 16.

The program offers assistance to struggling households in Lakeville, Middleboro, Rochester and Carver. The program provides gifts of clothing and/or toys for eligible children from newborn through high school who are residents of these communities. 

Gifts are also provided to local nursing homes and shelters whose residents are identified as being in need.

“Living in our communities, perhaps just next door or down the street, are hundreds of children who may not see any gifts at the holidays,’’ said Arlyn White, co-chair of the Giving Tree effort with Marsha Trackey. “This program helps bring a wonderful sense of joy to so many children and to the many donors as well, who know they made a difference and brought smiles to the face of a young child on Christmas morning.”

The co-chairs are working with a group of volunteers to provide for over 200 families this year.

The plan is for each child to receive four gifts of clothing, games and/or toys. 

The Giving Tree program is community-based and depends on local businesses and individuals to help sustain it.

Area businesses from each of the four towns support the program by requesting gift tags to display on a Christmas tree or may distribute tags to employees/patrons who choose to help sponsor a child by purchasing the gift item listed on a tag. 

Others opt to support the program by making monetary contributions.

Sign-up for the Giving Tree will be underway at the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 53 Oak St. rear, Middleboro, Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m., the first and third Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m.and the second and fourth Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Sign-ups will end Nov. 25.

Eligible applicants must provide personal ID, birth certificates for each child, and proof of residency such as a bill, bank statement or similar document dated within the last 60 days. All applicants are requested to bring a list of suggested gifts for each child.

Businesses and individuals wishing to make contributions may contact the Giving Tree line at 508-658-0114. Donations may be mailed to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 1381, Middleboro, MA 02346 with a notation “Giving Tree Program.