Sign-up for this year’s Giving Tree program, sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, begins on Saturday, Oct. 15.

The Giving Tree program offers assistance to financially struggling households living in Lakeville, Middleboro, Rochester and Carver. The program provides Christmas gifts of clothing and/or toys for all eligible children, from newborn through high school age.

Chairperson Arlyn White is working with volunteers to provide for more than 700 gift recipients this year. The plan is for each child to receive three gifts of clothing, games, or toys.

The Giving Tree program is community-based and depends on local businesses and individuals to help sustain it. Area businesses from each of the four towns support the program by requesting gift tags to display on a Christmas tree.

Companies can also distribute tags to employees or patrons who choose to help sponsor a child by purchasing the gift item listed on the tag.

The recent pandemic has added a new feature to the program. Many employees may be working from home and may not be able to get a tag from their company. They are encouraged to donate to the program to fund the gifts.

Sign-ups to participate in the Giving Tree program will be conducted at the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 53 Oak St., Middleboro Saturdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The pantry will not be open on Oct. 29.

Sign-ups will also take place on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Registration will end on Saturday, Nov. 26.

Eligible applicants must provide personal identification, proof of guardianship, birth certificates for each child, and proof of residency, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or similar document dated within the last 60 days.

All applicants are asked to bring a list of suggested gifts and sizes for each child. Families participating in other Christmas gift programs are not eligible.

Businesses and individuals wishing to make contributions may contact the Giving Tree phone line at (508) 658-0114. Donations may also be mailed to: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 1381, Middleboro, MA 02346. Put the “Giving Tree Program” in the memo space.