AKRON, Ohio - Open M, a nonprofit Christian ministry, is hosting its annual "Christmas for the Love of Children" program on Dec. 19.

The program will provide more than 580 Akron Public Schools children from about 200 families with $50 worth of gifts, school supplies, pajamas and a 100-pound holiday meal box.

Each family who is selected for the program fills out an application that details their clothing sizes, favorite color and most-wanted toys. Private sponsors shop for selected families.

Holiday meal food boxes are filled with more than 200 items each and feature a turkey, side dishes and cookies to leave for Santa. Boxes are assembled by Open M partner churches and area businesses.

The program is funded by individuals and groups throughout Akron and Summit County.

Volunteers are needed to assemble food boxes, organize gifts and bake cookies for the Dec. 19 distribution event. To sign up, visit www.openm.org/christmas.