COMMUNITY'S GENEROSITY AIDS AREA CHARITIES.

Byline: Daily News

With the start of Hanukkah today and Christmas fast approaching, the holiday season is kicking into full gear, with gifts to be purchased, wrapped and exchanged with family and friends.

Many people are looking for other ways to share the joy of the season - the opportunity to brighten the holidays for their less-fortunate neighbors. The Daily News' Season of Sharing fund-raising project is designed to do just that.

Since 1990, the Daily News has published a series of stories about local nonprofit organizations, their volunteers and the clients they serve. Generous readers have responded by donating more than $217,000, plus thousands more in furniture, appliances, equipment and in-kind services. The money and merchandise has been used by the charities to help those in need including mentally and physically disabled adults and children, single parents and struggling families.

For the last two weeks, the Daily News has profiled local nonprofit organizations and the variety of services they provide to residents of the San Fernando and surrounding valleys. This year's Season of Sharing charities are seeking donations so they can help brighten the holidays for their clients and continue serving the community throughout the year.

Readers can use the attached coupon to send their donation directly to the charity, whose address is listed below. The Daily News will receive none of the money.

On Christmas Day, the Daily News will publish a story with the results of Season of Sharing. Following is a recap of the charities profiled in this year's fund-raising campaign.

Meet Each Need with Dignity, 13460 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331. Provides food, clothing, medical treatment, English-language and job-training classes to low-income families.

Child and Family Guidance Center, 9650 Zelzah Ave., Northridge, CA 91325. Provides educational and social services for low-income families.

Wheels For Humanity, 4390 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91604. Refurbishes donated wheelchairs which are shipped to needy people around the world.

Activities for Retarded Children, 6456 Whitsett Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91606. Sponsors a hand-bell choir and other activities for mentally disabled children and adults.

Samaritan Shelter, 690-A Los Angeles Ave., Unit 198, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Provides counseling and other services to homeless residents.

Santa Clarita Valley Interfaith Council, 24901 Orchard Village Road, Valencia, CA 91355. Provides meals, shelter and counseling to needy residents of the Santa Clarita Valley.

El Centro de Amistad, 7024 Deering Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91306. Provides counseling, tutoring, emergency food, English-language classes, immigration assistance and crisis intervention.

Tierra del Sol, 9919 Sunland Blvd., Sunland, CA 91040. Teaches life skills to people with severe developmental disabilities.

Bridge Focus, 16360 Roscoe Blvd., Suite 120, Van Nuys, CA 91406. Counsels single parents, welfare families, homeless and runaway youths.

Children's Center of the Antelope Valley, 1055 W. Ave. M, Suite 110, Lancaster, CA 93534. Helps youngsters who have been sexually or physically abused, emotionally neglected and those at risk of being abused.

Therapeutic Living Centers for the Blind, 7955 Lindley Ave., Reseda, CA 91335. Provides residential and day programs for people who are developmentally disabled as well as blind.

San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, 10824 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Oversees a variety of social services, including food banks, Meals on Wheels, counseling programs, and clothing and furniture distribution.

Independent Living Center, 14402 Haynes St., Suite 103, Van Nuys, CA 91401. Helps disabled people learn to live independently in the community.

Valley Community Clinic, 5648 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91601. Provides medical care and educational and counseling services to low-income residents.