BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Henrietta Weill Child Guidance Clinic is helping to make this Thanksgiving more special for less fortunate families

The Clinic is gearing up for their Holiday Families Program, which provides a Thanksgiving meal to families in need. The Oildale clinic will deliver 20 holiday baskets for their clients. Organizers said most of those families couldn't afford to have a proper Thanksgiving dinner without their assistance.

The goal of the clinic is to reach out to families in need year-round, but Thanksgiving is a time for the clinic and their sponsors to go above and beyond. Organizers want the families to know that they really care about their circumstances and will do everything possible to make sure they know that. Monday, staff at the southwest location prepared 45 holiday baskets that will be delivered later this week.

The clinic and its sponsors donated and paid for a total of 80 baskets for families who are in financial need throughout Kern County. The Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic is a private, nonprofit, outpatient mental health center for children and families.

Last year the clinic was able to serve 121 families holiday meals and hopes to serve more in these difficult economic times.

If you are interested in learning more or sponsoring a family, please contact the clinic at 661-322-1021.