Baskets to be delivered Sunday
By Sandy Morris
Organizers of several programs in Shackelford County have been hard at work collecting toys, gifts, and food for individuals and families in need during the holiday season and are ready to begin the distribution process.
Ministerial Alliance
Food Baskets
This Sunday afternoon, members of the Albany Ministerial Alliance, along with volunteers from the community, will deliver the Alliance’s annual Christmas baskets to those in Albany and Moran who have requested home delivery of the food boxes, and those who wish to help spread some holiday cheer are invited to come to the Feed Store and join the gift giving.
Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins said the majority of needed items have been received, and students on the sixth grade leadership team will help Thursday, Dec. 10, to package and load non-perishable items.
AHS National Honor Society members will also help with preparations.
Believe Tree for Teens
As of Monday afternoon, Dec. 7, Wilkins said all teens signed up for the Believe Tree program had been adopted and that gifts would need to be returned to her, unwrapped and with a gift receipt if possible, at the Feed Store.
Pickup for the gifts will be at the Feed Store on Tuesday, Dec. 15 and Thursday, Dec. 17, with times to be announced.
Adopt a Senior
Adopt a Senior was a great success this year, with an overwhelming response from people wanting to help, according to program coordinator Ragan Riley.
“All 45 seniors were adopted, but if anyone would still like to help, we are making 33 food baskets, one for each household,” said Riley. “We could use Brookshires gift cards or non-perishable food item.”
A lot of canned vegetables have already been given, but more canned fruit and items such as pasta, rice, baking items, crackers, and macaroni and cheese are needed.
Riley, who also works with Beaty on Toys for Tots, said the numbers of applications for assistance is up in both programs this year.
Donations for Adopt a Senior or Toys for Tots can be dropped off at ResourceCare.
Toys for Tots
After several changes in plans, Toys for Tots organizer S.Sgt. Doug Beaty was able to connect with AJHS counselor and National Honor Society sponsor Jenny Scott and set up a Toys for Tots fundraiser luncheon.
This past Sunday, Beaty and NHS members hosted a drive-through barbecue luncheon at the Bank Park.
Diners were served a barbecue sandwich and chips for an open donation.
“This was a really successful event,” said Beaty. “We raised almost $800, and several people came by and donated toys.”
Beaty said he couldn’t have done the fundraiser without the help of the NHS members.
“The kids were just great and jumped in and took over,” Beaty said. “They were taking orders, getting the sandwiches, and running them back to the cars.”
Beaty says he has filled some Albany toy orders, but still has several to finish.
“In total, I have over 80 kids who need toys for Christmas,” said Beaty. “Right now, each child is getting three toys, a book, and some stocking stuffers.”
Beaty’s biggest need is in the age 8-11 category, both for boys and girls.
“That is a tough age to buy for, so if anyone has any ideas and would like to donate some items, it would be greatly appreciated,” Beaty added.
Board games are also in short supply for both boys and girls, but shoppers have until Tuesday, Dec. 15 to get additional toys, games, or donations to Beaty.
To make a donation of money or items, contact Beaty at 251-212-9684.
Wallace Agency
The Wallace Insurance Agency is hosting a Christmas gift drive for local students in Albany and Breckenridge.
“We are calling it a ‘gift drive’ because the students need more than just toys,” said Jessica Holmes, gift drive chairperson. “Any kind of donation will be accepted – cash, gift cards, new unwrapped toys, new shoes, gloves, and hats.”
The group is hoping to help students of all ages, but is working closely with the counselor at Nancy Smith Elementary School.
No application is necessary and people are welcome to contact Holmes at 254-559-5477 for assistance or to suggest a family in need.
The dropoff location in Albany is located at the Albany Chamber of Commerce and the deadline to turn in all gifts is Dec. 18.
The agency will then be working to set up distribution times in both towns.
Additional Needs
While these programs are covering a large number of families and individuals, Riley commented that there could be others who still need to be adopted or be in need of assistance during the Christmas season.
Families may contact ResourceCare for assistance and citizens may continue to make donations to the center and other programs.
