ROME – The Rome Rescue Mission is in need of a list of food items to be served to those in need this Christmas.

The Rescue Mission needs: hams, potatoes, yams, mayonnaise, pasta, sauce, dinner rolls, butter, bacon, eggs, juice, fresh fruit, bagels, items for tossed salads, dressing, chips, dips, cheese and crackers.

Monetary donations are also being accepted, and checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 337, Rome, NY 13440, or donations can be submitted online at romemission.org.

Each year the Rome Rescue Mission hosts a Christmas celebration meal for those in need. Last year, the Rescue Mission served more than 350 people at their Christmas meal and distributed more than 250 meals to the poor and homeless throughout the community.

Donations are being accepted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. They can be dropped off at the Rome Rescue Mission, located at 413 E. Dominick St., Rome.