RIDGWAY — Dickinson Center Inc. has recently concluded two projects for the benefit of the community.

The first family Christmas project was held this year, to provide gifts to children and families in the service region. Dickinson staff who work in the community continue to see the ongoing need for items like food, bedding, clothing and more.

Employees referred families in need of support to the project, and employees, consumers, board members and the community either purchased gifts or made monetary donations. Once the wish lists were filled, gifts were delivered to families by the DCI employee who made the referral. Several local businesses also supported this project, including Advantage Sales, Northwest Savings Bank, and Morgan Advanced Materials.

This year, DCI provided support to 16 families in the service region.

Dickinson employees also donated to Helping Hands Community Connection Fund, which provides monetary and in-kind assistance for community outreach projects, services, educational programs, etc. to promote well-being and foster lasting positive changes in local communities.

This year the DCI employees who donate to that fund chose to give their contributions to the Ridgway Animal Haven. The Ridgway Animal Haven is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect abused and mistreated animals and strays in Ridgway.