Thanks to citizens like you

It was the biggest year in donations in toys, monetary and clothing that Christmas for Kids has seen in years, and it was all thanks to the giving spirit of folks in Trousdale and surrounding counties.

"This is what the people of Hartsville do," said volunteer Jennifer Claridy. "It's not us…this is what the citizens do."

Thanks to the donations, Christmas for Kids was able to give the kids a $30 shopping trip to fred's or Dollar General along with a new set of clothing, coat, shoes and choosing toys from the recent toy drive. Roughly $100 is spent on every child.

This year's event will serve close to 185 children, who would otherwise not have had a Christmas without the donations the program receives throughout the year.

"God has blessed us this year," volunteer Regina White said. "I cannot say enough about the Sheriff's Department, Ray Russell because they have worked so hard, and the Civil Defense. The two of them have raised so much money, and they have put so much hours of their own time in this. If it wasn't for them, we couldn't do it."

Along with the fundraising efforts of the Sheriff's Department and Civil Defense, the ambulance service, fire department and businesses including Trousdale County Medical Center and Indigo Blue in Lafayette have helped contribute to this event every year to make sure Christmas happens for these families.

In addition to the event last Thursday, any other families in need had the opportunity to come to a designated spot on Christmas Eve and pick up items that were left over from the original date.

"Any items that are not taken today will be gathered up, and on Christmas Eve, we will put them out with a sign that says 'Free' and anyone in the community who is in need can take what they wish," White said.

Children are nominated by teachers and various citizens to participate in this program.

"We don't want to leave anybody out," said White.

White added that her favorite part was seeing the blessing of those who in past where part of the program, come back and donate to continue this event.

Managing Editor Marie Corhern can be reached at 615-779-3133 or by email at thevidette@bellsouth.net