If you know someone who needs help putting a gift under the tree for their child this Christmas, and who is uncertain about where to turn for assistance, tell him or her about the Rowan County Christmas Bureau.

Through the bureau, a person can share information about the family’s needs and get help from the group that best fits those needs. Participating are the Post’s Christmas Happiness Fund, the Salvation Army Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, the Arc of Rowan’s Operation Santa and the Project Santa program that operates out of First Baptist Church of Denton.

The groups raise their funds independently, but they work together as the Christmas Bureau for the application process.

The bureau is coordinated by the Rowan County United Way, which agreed to revive the concept a few years ago to help agencies streamline their process and avoid duplication. This is just one of the many ways United Way helps the community above and beyond raising funds for its 16 member agencies. Pulling people together to help the community is the United Way’s area of expertise.

The last day to apply for help through the Christmas Bureau  is this Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the J.F. Hurley YMCA, 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. West.

People applying for help will need to show a photo ID or drivers license, birth certificates for their children and Medicaid cards. If not on Medicaid, they’ll need proof of income and expenses. Volunteers will help them go through the process of prioritizing their needs. Clothing is often at the top of the list. Others request toys or food. Or parents can request a $35 voucher to buy their children’s gifts themselves.

Getting help during the holidays can be a bewildering situation for someone without ready access to a car or time off from work to get to the right place at the right time. For them, the Christmas Bureau offers a central place to seek help and directs each application toward the agency best able to address those needs

The economy is getting better; fewer people may need holiday assistance now than did at the peak of the recession. But if you’re a parent without enough money to buy your child a coat or toy for Christmas, the recession never ended. Help is available; apply through the Christmas Bureau this Saturday.