Dept. of Social Services in need of donations to help families in San Luis Obispo

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - This holiday season, the Department of Social Services is in need of donations to help kids and families.

The San Luis Obispo distribution center needs help providing basic necessities. Such as, clothing, food and personal hygiene.

Some of these children have been removed from homes, some seniors are in the adult protection unit and others are cal-works clients.

With only one week left, the department still needs nearly 600 requests to be unfilled.

Some of the items that could help out children and families in need include: gift cards, grocery stores, calculator, mini MAG flashlight with batteries, AAA batteries for TV remote, dish towels/dish clothes, body wash/hand lotion/bar of soap, scarf, knitted gloves, athletic and/or diabetic socks eye glasses chain, hand sanitizer, tissues, eye glass cleaner or lens wipes clear bar magnifier (like a ruler) – 2x for reading, locking pill dispenser – AM & PM, hair brush/comb set, nutritional bars/protein bars, nutritional drinks.

The coordinator for the Department of Social Services, Margaret Castle, says there's a lot of requests for clothing gift cards because they themselves can go buy something that will fit them.

Anyone wanting to donate, including businesses with services to offer, can contact Margaret Castle at (805) 788-2575 during normal business hours.

The department does adivse that while they appreciate stocking stuffers, they want to ask to refrain from purchasing hard candies, chocolates, sweet items and candles.

Some of the adult clients have medical conditions with restricted dietary needs, which forbids them from these treats in their daily diet.