A season for giving

I don’t have enough time or space to describe all the wonderful things about Christmas, but near the top of the list is GIVING.
Think about the reaction you get when your child or grandchild opens their presents Christmas morning. It’s the reason Stephanie and I spend countless hours (and many dollars) choosing the perfect gifts for our five kids. We are so blessed to be able to bless them and others on our Christmas list.
In Lawrence County we are also blessed to have nonprofit organizations that help us extend our giving beyond family and friends:

SPIRIT OF SANTA – Now in its 34th year, this Lawrenceburg Parks & Recreation drive provides toys and clothing to children across Lawrence County. Recipients are 12 and under and families have filled out applications through Human Services. New, unwrapped toys and clothing, or cash donations may be dropped off at the Parks & Rec office before December 15th. For more information, call 762-4231.
SANTA FOR SENIORS – This effort is designed to provide items that 650+ seniors in our county need to live more comfortable lives. Donations can be dropped off at WLX radio station or the Lawrence County Senior Citizens Center by December 11. Items needed include new fleece wear in all sizes; non-perishable foods (including diabetic items), personal care items, bed pads, blankets, socks (including diabetic socks), undergarments, heaters, small appliances, towels, heating pads, paper towels, tissues, Ensure or other nutritional supplement drinks, including sugar-free. Help is also needed to deliver packages to recipients and this process begins December 15. For more information, call 629-0240 or 629-2181.
A CORA CHRISTMAS – This nonprofit and its sponsors provide a wealth of free activities and gifts for local children at an annual Christmas party on the Lawrenceburg Square. This year’s event is set for December 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. and will feature a free lunch and snacks, free clothes, hats, gloves, a variety of Christmas crafts, and visits from Santa, Elsa, the Grinch, and Bigfoot! Donations may be taken or mailed to 240 Jackson Street, Lawrenceburg, or given through Paypal or Venmo (See A Cora Christmas’s Facebook page for details). You are also invited to wrap gifts for Sunday’s party on Friday December 8 at Lawrenceburg Golf & Country Club, 1901 West Gaines Street, Lawrenceburg. Call 615-430-9501 for more information.
TOYS FOR TOTS – WLX Radio at 1212 North Locust Avenue and other local businesses are accepting books and new toys that will be distributed through the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots local chapter. Toys for Tots has been ranked as one of the nation’s top charities since 2001, and exists solely to “help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s less fortunate children.” The deadline to donate to the drive is December 15.

CHRISTMAS FOR CRITTERS – This longtime effort helps out with vet care, spay/neuter, food and other necessities for homeless pets and those who care for them. It also provides networking and transportation to place pets in loving homes. A special effort is made at Christma stime to assist pet owners who cannot afford basic care for their beloved pets. Donations to “Care for Critters” can be made at any branch of First Farmers & Merchants Bank. A food pantry site is not currently available. Please check out Care for Critters’ Facebook page to see the valuable work they do.

LAWRENCE CO. SCHOOLS’ FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER – The FRC helps students and families with basic needs year-round and is partnering with Mars Hill Baptist Church to help 97 students at Christmas this year. Cash, checks, and gift cards for this holiday event can be dropped off at the front desk of the J.C. Barnett Building, 610 Mahr Avenue, Lawrenceburg by December 12. Other donations are needed and accepted year-round: laundry detergent, gas cards, nonperishable foods and hygiene items.

If your church or nonprofit organization is providing food or gifts to others this Christmas, please message us on Facebook, call 766-4131 or email details to dmorgan@lawcotn.org. We will promote your generosity on Facebook, and ask for donations from the public if you wish.