As the countdown to Christmas kicks into high gear (only seven more days to go!), it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Between shopping for presents, visiting with friends and family, and waging a pathetic battle over pine trees, many of us forget to consider those in need.

While donations and contributions are needed year-round, many charities and non-profit organizations rely on generosity shown during the holiday season for much of their revenue. If you have some extra non-perishable food sitting in your cupboard, why not donate it to a worthy cause? When you're out at the mall, why not pick up an extra gift for a child in need? Helping the less fortunate takes minimal effort, but produces huge benefit.

CTV, along with the Rockettes, 680 News, and the Salvation Army, is still 25,765 toys short of reaching its goal for this year's Toy Mountain initiative. With drop-off locations in the Eaton Centre, Fairview Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, Sherway Gardens, and more, it's easy to help put a toy under the tree of a deserving family. Just make sure you know what you're supporting.

The Daily Bread Food Bank's holiday food drive continues until January 8, 2007. You can help by making an online donation, encouraging your friends or co-workers to help, or dropping a food donation off at your local firehall, Loblaws, or Real Canadian Superstore.

The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, which plans to distribute 45,000 Christmas boxes to needy children this holiday season, accepts donations year-round. Donations can be made online, by mail, or on the phone.

Photo by Iamkevin from the Torontoist Flickr pool.