by PATRICK LEJTENYI

Christmas time is giving time, and if you have any money or good cheer left by now, you can still do your bit to make this mean old world a little better. Below are some organizations, charities and community groups that do good work on limited budgets, and could use a little influx of Christmas green.

Breast Cancer Action Montreal This information line and resource centre for breast cancer patients, their loved ones and the simply curious relies on annual membership fees and donations to stay afloat. Along with a phone line anyone can call for information on breast cancer and a library offering an array of literature about breast cancer, BCAM also holds an annual walk through the west end every October to raise awareness about the disease. But unlike other groups, which focus almost exclusively on support and treatment, they want to concentrate on discovering the causes of breast cancer. For donations or membership, call 483-1846 or visit www.bcam.qc.ca.

L'Itinéraire The magazine for, about and mostly by the homeless is actually a non-profit organization that does a lot more than put out a publication every month. At their East end digs on deLorimier and Ste-Catherine E. are a café, Internet hub and training centre helping the city's homeless learn new skills. They also try to integrate as many people as possible into any and all activities they conduct throughout the year. Yes, they gratefully accept any and all gifts, either financial or material. They especially need appliances and electronics. For $3, you can also buy a meal card, ensuring that the money you give goes directly to giving recipients a meal. For more info call 597-0238 or visit www.itineraire.ca.

Farha Foundation In its 12-year history, this Montreal-based organization has distributed over $6.2-million to HIV/AIDS groups around the province. All money raised is redistributed among more than 40 groups that focus on direct care, education and prevention. They're always open to donations but, if money's tight, they also ask the public to either attend one of their many fundraising activities throughout the year or volunteer their time at one of them. To get in touch with them or to give, call 270-4900 or visit www.farha.qc.ca.

L'Acceuil Bonneau One of the city's oldest shelters holds their annual Christmas Day lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dishing out just a fraction of the estimated 300,000 free meals served year-round. They also have a New Year's meal on Jan. 2. The shelter, which caters exclusively to men although women are allowed in for meals, receives no government subsidies and relies entirely on private and corporate donations. As it operates as a home for men trying to get off the street, they are asking this year for toiletries like toothpaste, soap and shampoo. Men's clothing, and cash, are also gratefully accepted. Call 845-3906 or visit www.acceueilbonneau.com.

Chez Doris This downtown drop-in centre for women is open seven days a week, serving up to 100 meals a day during the year and up to 200 at their Christmas dinners. All attendees get a gift from Santa as well. Serving mostly itinerant and homeless women, many of whom have mental difficulties, Chez Doris is accepting donations. Cash is, as always, welcome, but they are also asking for bus tickets, canned food, knitted goods, candies, cookies and women's boots. Donations can be made by phone at 937-2341 or in person at 1430 Chomedey.

Auberge Madeleine This shelter for women in difficulty has 19 beds, all occupied every night of the year. Most of the shelter's clients are either fleeing conjugal violence or suffer from mental health and substance abuse problems. The shelter takes the women in and helps them reintegrate into society by assisting them in finding apartments and jobs and directing them to financial or psychological services. They take cash or cheques, but also need clothing, food and cleaning products. To give, call 597-1303 or visit www.questzones.com/aub-madeleine.

Kids Help Phone The national non-profit phone line fields 1,100 calls and online queries a day, giving young 'uns free, anonymous counselling, referral and Internet services 24 hours a day. On Thursday, Dec. 23, Marc Julien, the founder of Sublime Pictures, will be hosting a Snow-Ball, with music, an art auction and assorted fun, at Au Cepage Bistro (212 Notre-Dame W.), $25. All profits go to the line. For info, call 924-7767 or e-mail marc@sublimepictures.com. Or you can simply donate to the line directly by visiting their Web site www.kidshelpphone.ca.