Bay Area United Way's 211 Helping Those In Need

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Whether you've had the holiday blues this year or the spirit of the season has moved you to reach out and give, there is a Bay Area service that can help.

Maria Stokes with the United Way of the Bay Area said anyone needing help just has to remember a three digit number: 211.

"We have people calling who have lost a loved one in the last year and are feeling kind of sad around the holidays," Stokes said. "There are support groups available and if you call 211, we can connect you with one of those."

KCBS' Melissa Culross:

The United Way launched 211 in San Francisco in 2006 and now, the service is available throughout the Bay Area. Stokes said the service has proved invaluable.

"It's really a lifeline for people who are having tough times," she said. "if you don't know where to start, it's easy to remember. You're always going to reach a live person 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Stokes said that if your New Year's resolution this year is to give, you can also call 211 to get connected with volunteer and donation opportunities.

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