December is a time of the year when many want to "give back" to their communities and help the less fortunate with clothing, food, shelter and other necessities for life. Schools, churches and other institutions in Weston have plenty of opportunities to help out those in need this December. 

Most of them don't require much of your time, and can be easily done in a day or less. Check out your closets, your pantries and cupboards to help out this holiday season.

In no particular order, here are 10 ways you can help out in Weston:

schools

• The sophomore class at the high school, the class of 2013, is holding a winter coat drive until Dec. 23. All winter clothing is accepted, including pants, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. Donations will benefit Cradles to Crayons. 
• The high school honors society is also holding a coat drive. Until Dec. 20, collection boxes will be set up around various locations at the schools in the district.  Coats of any size (infant to adult) will be accepted but the group asks  that coats be in good shape with no rips, stains, broken zippers, etc. For questions, contact Teal Parker.
• Looking to honor a coach, teacher or staff member in the schools? The PTO Gift Book Program lets you donate a book to the library with a bookplate inscribed with your name and the name of the person you are honoring. Click here for more information or contact Denise Huckins.

local groups

• The WCCA is holding its second annual holiday food drive. Donations can be dropped off at the WCCA bin at the Community Center until Dec. 17. Contact Andrea Finard with questions. Donations will benefit the Food Pantry at Boston Medical Center.
• The Marines are holding their annual Toys for Tots collection this year in conjunction with the Weston Police Department. The police have a box for donations in their front lobby.
• Drop off gently-used children's clothing (sizes newborn to 18/20, any season) at the Scout House on Dec. 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. to benefit Cradle to Crayons.

Religious institutions

• St. Julia: Lincoln Cub Scout Pack 127, sponsored by St. Julia Parish, is collecting coffee mugs for Rosie's Place dining facilities in Boston. There is a donation box at St. Julia Parish center lobby, as well as St. Joseph Church, the Brooks Middle School, Lincoln Public Library, First Parish Church, Old Town exchange, and the Council of the Aging. 

• St. Julia: Provide Christmas gifts for the children of Holy Family Parish in Dorchester. Gift tags will be placed on the garlands in St. Julia Church. Take a tag and return the tag with a gender/age appropriate gift in a gift bag to the Giving Tree in the Parish Center or to the bins in the back of St. Julia Church by Sunday, Dec. 12. If you are interested in helping coordinate the sorting and pick up of gifts can contact Pat Dacey.

• First Parish: Bristol Lodge provides shelter, food, advice and counseling to homeless people in the Waltham area. Food providers and soup kitchen volunteers are needed on the fourth Wednesday every month. Contact Mary Menino if you would like to participate in this ministry.
• St. Peter Episcopal Church: Join with St. Peter and Waltham Christ Church with their diaper ministry. Diapers are not covered by government programs like WIC or food stamps and are very expensive. St. Peter is collecting diapers on an ongoing basis, downstairs and at the back of the church, or you can donate online via Christ Church's website.