By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - The Friends of the Blake Library in Stuart want to help parents in financial difficulty make it through the gift-giving season.

The group teamed with Character Counts, a program of the United Way of Martin County, to host a workshop to help parents who have limited financial resources avoid guilt during the holidays.

"Parents are stressed out during the holidays at normal times, and with this economy, it's even harder," said Jennifer Salas, youth services coordinator for the Martin County Library System. "Guilt about not being able to give the gifts they want to or to go on vacations is a big factor, so we wanted to do a workshop about giving gifts that don't have to cost much, or about making memories that will last a lifetime."

To help alleviate parents' anxiety, the group is hosting a workshop led by award-winning counselor and professor at Florida Atlantic University, William Nicoll, who is internationally known for his lively presentation style.

The free event is set for Dec. 3, at the Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road in Stuart.

"Dr. Nicoll was able to provide exactly what we were looking for in a workshop for parents," said Holly Laiben, director of Character Counts. "We're hoping people will leave with something helpful for them and their entire family."

For more information, call (772) 221-1407.