By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Needy families residing in the Falkville area are on target to receive toys, gifts and food boxes for Christmas thanks to the 25th annual Falkville Christmas program.
"We are prepared to help 45 families, including more than 100 children," said Ronnie Richards, president of the Falkville Lions Club, project sponsor. "The need is greater this year than last year but the Lord has blessed us with generous donations. We anticipate one of the best programs we've had in recent years."
Richards said the Lions Club conducts a search through Falkville schools to come up with the names of needy families. A follow-up home visit by club members usually follows to verify the need.
"We have extended our program this year to include widows or elderly couples who are struggling to get by because of excessive prescription drug bills or some other financial crisis," he added.
The distribution of gifts will occur on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 4 – 6 p.m. at the former Woodmen of the World Building at Bobby Brewer Field.
Refreshments will be served to participating family members, and Santa will make an appearance to chat with the children and present them with their gifts. Each child will receive a wrapped toy and a shoebox gift donated by the Volunteer Center of Morgan County.
Each family represented will receive one or more boxes of canned goods and non-perishable foods items and fruit. They also will receive a Bible and a blanket.
The Lions Club has received help from several sources to fund the project, according to Richards.
Club members solicited $1 donations for the giveaway of a tilt trailer donated by Lawrimore Manufacturing Co. and conducted a turkey shoot as fundraisers. A community gospel singing was conducted at First Faith Church. Several local churches participated by providing singing groups, and a love offering was taken to benefit needy families.
Canned food items were donated through the WAFF Can-A-Thon. Falkville schools conducted food drives and collected $400 in cash donations.
Falkville Auction collected new toys from it customers during the months of November and December.
In addition, a number of individuals made cash contributions.
"We're so thankful to everyone who has helped out in any way to make this year's program a big success," Richards said.
"It's truly a community-wide effort."