Elves? Well, kind of......David Watson, Craig Roberts, and Ricky Reynolds prepare to direct traffic on
Saturday afternoon, as parents lined-up to collect their Christmas boxes from the local Empty Stocking Program.

 

Empty Stocking Program Distributes
Gifts, on Saturday

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Meanwhile, a crew of volunteers were inside the First United Methodist Church making certain the boxes were
ready for delivery.

 

Families began "lining-up" shortly after noon, on Saturday, to collect their Christmas boxes through the local empty stocking program, as distribution began at 2:00 p.m., Saturday afternoon. "We've got it down to a 'science' for distribution," advised Ricky Reynolds, one of the volunteers that was directing traffic, through the City National Drive-In, into the parking lot of First United Methodist Church. "We have a number of volunteers that work every year and we have the boxes marked with the names and ready to pick-up, to expedite the procedure and get everyone taken care of!"

 

 

Meanwhile, the line filled the City National Drive-Thru Parking Lot, spilled out down Connally Street to the Downtown Square, and then overflowed onto both Jefferson and Church Street, as the crowd began to assemble. However, things went smoothly and quickly as the boxes were "picked-up" and distributed.

 

And, the race was on, once distribution began.....

 

"This is a lifesaver for our family," advised one beneficiary, with tears in her eyes. "My husband lost his job and we had nowhere else to turn! We want to thank the generosity of all the people who helped to make Christmas for our kids, this year. Otherwise, they'd had hardly anything beneath the tree. We're hoping that next year we'll have a job and can volunteer to help someone else!"

 

 

Meanwhile, some of the "kids" find time to play!

 

"We distributed gifts, candy, and goodies to approximately 325 local families," expressed Gina Prickett, Coordinator for the Empty Stocking Program. "And, that equalled over 750 individual children, we were able to brighten the holiday season for, this year! We want to thank all of those donated so generously and those that volunteered to help with assembly, shopping, and distribution. It certainly takes a 'village' of people!"

 

 

Merry Christmas,
From Empty Stocking!!!

_____