Christmas Friends Inc., the local charity that provides gifts for needy children and elderly or disabled adults in Middlesex County, launched its 37th season this week. The Middlesex Department of Social Services has been assisting clients in completing their “wish lists” and volunteer shoppers will begin hitting the stores next week to fulfill those wishes. Volunteer wrappers and delivery crews will be gathering next month to complete another year of Christmas Friends magic by Dec. 17. Monetary donations are now needed to assure that the work can continue. The program expects to serve 275-300 clients this year and the fundraising goal is $30,000.