Local organizations bring Christmas cheer
The holidays are filled with merriment as we wait for Jolly Old Saint Nick to arrive from the North Pole. But for some, providing a Christmas dinner and presents under the tree is a struggle.
That’s where Jackson County Christmas Charities makes the season merry and bright.
Serving some of the residents who are most in need of help, Jackson County Christmas Charities works with local businesses, schools and individuals to ensure as many people as possible in Jackson County have a merry Christmas.
In order to apply, applicants must supply a social security card for each family member, proof of address such as a utility bill, food stamps and income. After completing an application and proving their need by meeting certain income and other criteria, participants are asked to create a wish list of gifts they would like to receive, and Christmas Charities works to make it a reality.
“It’s a wonderful project,” says Sue Smith, chairperson of Jackson County Christmas Charities at the Stevenson/Fackler Center. “It’s a wonderful blessing to help people with these needs.”
Many businesses throughout the county decorate trees with the names of families they can sponsor, and local schools host food and toy drives to support the cause. Each community has its own chairman. Bridgeport Lions Club takes care of the Bridgeport area and Skyline, Scottsboro, Woodville chairman is Madge Myers, and Stevenson/Fackler chairman Sue Smith.
“We have so many people who help and work, and all those students from various schools donate canned goods — it just wouldn’t happen if we didn’t have the community’s support,” Smith says.
Food and presents are delivered prior to Dec. 25, usually in early December, so children have a gift to open on Christmas morning. For more information, call Jackson County Christmas Charities at 256-575-6056.
Likewise, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office is kicking off its inaugural Operation Brown Elf this year. Through this mission, the sheriff’s office is having a bicycle drive to help make a difference in the lives of local children this holiday season.
The drive runs through Dec. 7, and you can make a monetary donation by calling the sheriff’s office at 256-582-2034.