While you're making your list this holiday season, check it twice to make sure you've included goodies from the Town of Cary; local and triangle residents can give back to the community this holiday season through the Town's Oasis and PRCR Scholarship programs or choose from a host of gifts for every type of person on their holiday list.

For those who enjoy helping people in need, the Town offers the Oasis program to help Cary utility customers going through hardship by assisting with their Cary utility bill.

The Town accepts one-time or regular donations from utility customers and passes all the money to Christian Community in Action who administers the program. For more, visit http://www.townofcary.org/depts/fndept/oasis.htm.

Another option this season is to enhance the quality of life of Cary citizens of every age by giving to the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Scholarship program.

Give a tax-deductible donation to help Cary citizens who are in financial need participate in programs offered by the PRCR Department.

For instance, the scholarship program helps send kids to camp, play in sports leagues and take art classes.

It also has paid for senior citizens to take computer classes.

Go to any PRCR facility and request to make a scholarship donation; a receipt with a tax id number is also available.

For those who are looking for gifts with a more personal touch, the Town offers the following options:

Doggie lovers
Make the new puppy feel at home for the holidays with a Pet IDTag, Dog Park Pass and canine classes. Visit Pet ID Tag at www.townofcary.org/depts/pddept/pettag.pdf or Dog Park Pass at http://www.townofcary.org/depts/prdept/parks/dogpark.htm. Basic Manners for Your Dog or Canine Massage classes are also available through the Town's program brochure at http://www.townofcary.org/depts/prdept/bro01/prcrprogbrocfall08.pdf.

Environmentalists
Help your loved ones save up for a "non-rainy" day with a rain barrel. Collecting rain to water landscapes and gardens increases the amount of treated water that is saved for drinking, cooking and bathing. For more, visit http://www.townofcary.org/depts/pwdept/water/waterconservation/rainbarrels.htm .

The sports fan
Sports abound in Cary, so purchase tickets for the Carolina Railhawks 2009 season by visiting http://www.carolinarailhawks.com. If someone you know loves baseball, purchase USA Baseball merchandise by visiting http://www.usabaseball.com. Also, call (919) 462-2061 to pre-purchase tennis lessons and tennis passes for the Cary Tennis Park. Cary also offers X-treme Sports - Sk8 Park Pass and BMX or Sk8 lessons, available at http://www.townofcary.org/depts/prdept/facilities/skateboard/skateboardpark.htm .

The health conscious
A Town of Cary Fitness Pass or Wellness Pass is the perfect "fit" for beating the holiday pounds. Each pass provides 5 or 10 visits to the Town's fitness classes. Participants can choose from activities such as Cardio Combo, Total Body Conditioning, Super Sweat Jamin' Cardio, Yoga, Belly Dance, Zumba Fitness or Pilates. For more, visit http://www.townofcary.org/depts/prdept/fitwell.htm.

The Music Lover
Give the gift of music with the Marvelous Music Series 3-concert package season ticket. Shows include the Fisk Jubilee Singers; War Bonds, a touching look back at the music and memories of the Greatest Generation; and Rusty Evans' acclaimed Tribute to Johnny Cash. For more, visit http://www.townofcary.org/depts/prdept/events/concerts/marvelousmusic.htm.

For a more extensive musical experience, take advantage of Koka Booth Amphitheatre's VIP Season Pass and be treated like a VIP. The pass comes with special parking, pre-event receptions for select events, reserved lawn chair and seating area in addition to access to the best variety of concerts and events in the Triangle. For more, visit http://www.boothamphitheatre.com.

The Art Enthusiast
Visit Jordan Hall Arts Center for great stocking stuffers from the Art-o-Mat, a recycled cigarette vending machine that dispenses an array of original works in miniature form by both local artists and others from across the globe.

The History Buff
Page-Walker Arts & History Center offers an array of fascinating books and mementoes celebrating Cary's history. Works include Around and About Cary by Tom Byrd and Jerry Miller and Just a Horse Stopping Place by Peggy Van Scoyoc plus other decorative items for home and office.

"While the holidays are a fun time, it can also be a daunting task to find the perfect gift for everyone," said Leda Isenhour, marketing specialist with the Town of Cary. "We're pleased to offer fun and unique alternatives for the people - and animals - on your list through the Town's many programs and initiatives."

For more on the Town's PRCR programs, visit http://www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.