By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Falkville area families who are struggling to make ends meet will again get some much-needed help for the holiday season from the Falkville Christmas Program, a benevolent project sponsored by Falkville Lions Club with support from schools, churches, community organizations and individuals throughout the area.
"We have 46 families and 90 children signed up for assistance this year," said Ronnie Richards, Lions Club president and project chairman. "Each family will receive a large box of canned goods, a blanket and a Bible. Each child will be able to visit with Santa Claus and receive a nice wrapped gift."
Distribution of the food and gifts will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the former Woodmen of the World Building on Culver Road.
In addition, elderly widows and couples in the area totaling about 45 will receive food and fruit baskets. They will be delivered by club members prior to Dec. 17.
Richards pointed out that a careful screening process is conducted to determine which families are in the greatest need for assistance.
"We work through the schools to come up with names of needy families," he pointed out. Then, club members usually make a visit to the home to verify the need.
He added that the money needed to finance the program comes from club fundraisers, a community gospel singing and individual donations.
"We've done pretty well this year," he said. We sponsored a couple of turkey shoots and took donations on the giveaway of a utility trailer, which was donated by Lawrimore Trailer Co. We also got help from a love offering at Falkville's annual gospel singing and a large quantity of canned goods and some cash contributions were received from Falkville school students.
"The program is in its 26th year and we're so thankful to everyone who has helped make it possible," Richards said. "Helping others who need help is a good way to put the Christmas season in its proper perspective."