The United Way Tar River Region received two decorated Christmas trees from Target on Dec. 12 as part of a long-running partnership to help those in need at the holidays.

The trees then were given to the Hospice Foundation of Edgecombe County and Christian Fellowship Home.

“We are very grateful to Target for their partnership and generosity to the local community,” said Shannon Barker, community development manager with the local United Way. “Their thoughtfulness is just overwhelming. To be able to make a difference to local families is really touching.”

United Way supports 41 local health and human service programs that touch on quality-of-life issues, including education, health and income stability, and provides a range of community development services, such as information and referrals.