by PATRICK LEJTENYI

If, by chance, you’re feeling a little flush this Christmas and are in the mood to give, there certainly isn’t a lack of worthy recipients eager to take your donation. Below is a quick peak at some of the groups, causes and organizations you can give your money to this season.

Dans la rue: Father Emmett “Pops” Johns’ ever-popular street-kid outreach and support institution will be holding its annual midnight mass (actually beginning at 8 p.m.) on Christmas Eve at its day centre (1662 Ontario E.). On the 25th, at the same location, will be the traditional Christmas Feast, starting at 4 p.m. The caravan will be doing its usual rounds the night of Dec. 24–25, but not Christmas night. It will resume its rounds the night Dec. 26. Call 526-5222 for info on how to donate.

Compassion Club legal fund: The embattled medical marijuana distributors are expecting a ruling on their court case today, Dec. 19, but even if everything goes in their favour, their troubles probably won’t be over. They are expecting the federal government to appeal any decision that benefits the Club, and that’s where expenses will add up. Donations are accepted at the Club, or can be made through the Marijuana Party. The good part is that donations are up to 75 per cent tax deductible. Call the Compassion Club at 521-8674 or the Marijuana Party at 528-1POT (1768) for details.

Herstreet - La rue des femmes: The women’s drop-in centre and shelter at 1050 Jeanne-Mance will be hosting a Christmas party on the 24th, featuring a meal, gift exchange, singing and a performance by a group of volunteer musicians. Having moved into their new Chinatown digs over the summer, the centre now has room for up to 20 women, but no children. They’re accepting donations as well, both cash and goods. They can be reached at 284-9665.

Women AWARE hotline: This telephone support line and support group for victims of spousal abuse tends to get especially busy over the holidays, so it will remain open on Christmas Day. With a tiny staff they have been doing their best to bring some happiness and comfort to the women they help, and are absolutely accepting donations of food, clothing or toys. You can reach them at either 489-1110, toll free at 1-866-489-1110 or by e-mail at womenaware@sprint.ca. Call to fix appointments at their drop-in centre.

Stella: While the support group for sex workers isn’t doing anything specific over the Christmas holidays - they’re closed from the end of this week until the first week of January - they will be having a by-invitation and members-only party at their St-Laurent office tonight, Thursday. The party is for sex workers only, but there will be a potluck, singing, dancing and beauty product giveaways, courtesy of the Body Shop and others. They do accept donations. Call 288-1599.

Cactus: Drug addicts in Centre-sud will get to exchange their needles and seek help on Christmas and New Year’s eves, with hot meals planned for their clients on both nights. Traditionally, the holidays are a time for a rapprochement between the drop-in centre’s volunteers and neighbourhood users, and this year shouldn’t be an exception. For more information on donations or volunteering, call 847-0067. Similarly, Spectre de rue, another addict outreach centre in Centre-sud, is having a warm-meal party (invitation only) on Friday, Dec. 20 at their day centre before closing for the holidays. They re-open Jan. 6, but the needle-exchange program will continue over the holidays, including on Christmas and New Year’s Day. To give, call 528-1700.

Old Mission Brewery: The Old Montreal homeless shelter will be having their Christmas mass on Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. at the shelter (915 Clark) and a Christmas Day meal served at noon. Their sister mission for women, found at 1301 de Maisonneuve E., will have similar events at the same times. They are accepting donations, by mail (PO Box 1445, Place d’Armes, H2Y 3K8) or by phone. :