Community members have donated $31,804 to The Bellingham Herald's Extend-a-Hand charity to help low-income Whatcom County residents move into and keep rental housing and to obtain medical prescriptions.

In addition this holiday season, Regal Entertainment Group donated $29,000 to Extend-a-Hand, proceeds from one of three "preview events" at the new Barkley Regal theater complex.

The Opportunity Council, a nonprofit social service agency, oversees the housing donations for Extend-a-Hand. The prescriptions are dispensed by staff at Interfaith Community Health Center.

Last season, people gave about $45,000 to Extend-a-Hand. The Herald covers administrative costs, so the donations directly support needy people.

Tax-deductible donations can be mailed or taken to: Extend-a-Hand, c/o Opportunity Council, 1111 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. Credit card donations are accepted. Details: Sheri Emerson, 360-734-5121, ext. 301.

Reach DEAN KAHN at dean.kahn@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2291.