Valley Churches United Missions has started accepting food, cash and gift card donations, along with Easter treats, to provide goods to families who need help this Easter.

VCUM accepts brown paper bags filled with nonperishable food items, including canned ham or meat, canned fruits, vegetables, soups and tuna, and boxed foods, such as cereal, oatmeal, rice, pasta and Jell-o or pudding mix. Bags with lists of accepted food items are available at many grocery stores.

In 2009, the nonprofit helped more than 1,300 people in 659 households at Easter time.

“It’s up to us who have a little to give a lot to those in need who have not,” said Annette Marcum, founder and executive director.

VCUM also distributes Easter baskets to children and seniors, gifts that can include Easter lilies, candy, stuffed animals, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Donations can be delivered from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at VCUM, 9400 Love Creek Road, in Ben Lomond; from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, 360 Kings Village Road; or after hours at the Ben Lomond Gas Station, 9500 Highway 9, in Ben Lomond.

Checks can be mailed to Valley Churches United Missions, P.O. Box 367, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. A $40 donation provides a complete dinner for four.

For information: 336-8258.