The Union County Christmas Bureau will open Monday, Oct. 1 to begin accepting applications from families that request assistance for the Christmas season. Applications will be taken until Nov. 20. The Christmas Bureau will accept applications on Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Union County Human Services at 2330 Concord Avenue in Monroe. Donations can currently be dropped off at the Union County Human Services location through Nov. 15. After that date, donations can be taken to the distribution site at 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 200, Monroe (former Sears’ location at Monroe Crossing). Groups or individuals may assist by sponsoring families, gift trees or filling stockings for children. All donations are tax deductible. Monetary donations can be made online at hopeunioncounty.org. “It would be a tremendous help to us if anyone wishing to donate gifts could wait until we move into our site at the Monroe Crossing Mall,” said Volunteer Services Coordinator Gloria Haney. “Our space to house donations is limited at the Human Services facility. However, we don’t want this to be a hindrance and prevent people from donating gifts. We will make room for any donations until we move to the mall location.”