Before Rich Frolo came to work at Westlake Community Services, he didn't realize how much need there was in Westlake.

He often finds himself carrying loads of donated food, and helping with the food pantry, especially as last week's Thanksgiving food drive wrapped up. But he knows what a difference it makes.

"Westlake isn't just Crocker Park," he said. "There are people who are having hard times, who are alone, who need help."

While the Thanksgiving food drive may be done, the department's holiday efforts aren't. Food is still needed, not just to keep the city's food pantry going, but to help Westlake families in need have a holiday meal.

Items needed include canned fruit and vegetables, canned or jarred gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, yams/sweet potatoes, canned meat, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly, canned soup, pasta, cake mix and any other non-perishable food item.

There's also the Adopt-a-Family/Adult program. You can choose a family or an individual, and give them gifts, or purchase a single gift. 

Joyce Abel Schroth, director of Community Services, said last week that the Adopt-a-Family/Adult program was the only way the residents in the program would have any kind of a Christmas.

"They don't have family or friends who can help," she said. "Without this, they would be absolutely alone at Christmas, without a gift or anything."

You can also donate money to help the program. Money donations can be made in cash (in-person only), credit card or check (made payable to the City of Westlake).

Deadline for helping out is Dec. 14. Gifts and cash donations must be dropped off at the Community Services building, 29694 Center Ridge Road.

For more information, contact Madeline Crandall at 440-899-3544 or at mcrandall@cityofwestlake.org.