As Christmas nears, 18-month-old Isaac Mullinax holds his mother's finger as they take their first steps into Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. The parents were both recently laid off and living with a relative near Murrells Inlet. Helping Hand is the central location to handle the intake process for needy people receiving services in the city. It is located off Joe White Avenue and Nance Street. The Mullinaxes are Antonio and Whitney. Photo by Janet Blackmon Morgan / jblackmon@thesunnews.com JANET BLACKMON MORGAN — jblackmon@thesunnews.com Buy Photo