In the midst of the shopping for gifts, decorations and Christmas dinner, don't forget about an important part of the holiday season.

Giving to others.

Here are five ways you can help people and organizations in the Westlake area this holiday season.

Do you know of any other donation or volunteer opportunities? Post them in the comments, or in our events calendar.

1. Westlake Community Services offers support to low-income people in Westlake. The food pantry helps provide holiday meals and day-to-day food. Items needed this time of year 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.
2. Westlake Police Department is holding a Coats for Kids coat drive. You can drop off new or gently used coats, jackets, gloves, mittens and scarves at the police station through Dec. 20.
3. Westlake City Schools' transportation department is also running a Coats for Kids drive. Donation boxes are at each school.
4. Help our furry friends with a donation to Love-A-Stray, the local no-kill animal rescue organization. And, if you're thinking of bringing a pet into your family, check out some of Love-A-Stray's cats available for adoption at Great Northern PetSmart in North Olmsted each weekend.
5. Teens and adults can sign up to volunteer at Hospice of the Western Reserve's Ames Family Hospice. You can provide help in everything from music therapy to visiting with patients to helping family members with bereavement.