BY JENN SAMSEL
The holidays can be particularly challenging for many seniors, especially those who have lost loved ones or cannot be with their families.
The Holiday Helpers hosted their 5th Annual Christmas luncheon for seniors in Keystone Heights and the surrounding communities, featuring bingo, door prizes, and goodie bags.
The event took place on Tuesday, December 9th, at St. William’s Catholic Church in Keystone Heights, Clay County.
The lunch menu featured turkey and bean soup, ham and bean soup, along with options of egg salad, chicken salad, or pimento cheese. For dessert, guests enjoyed brownies, ice cream, and whipped cream.
“We wanted to make sure the seniors get something for the holidays,” said David Dickinson, Co-Chair of Holiday Helpers.
The Holiday Helpers also support the Angel Tree program. This year, they had 930 angels, which approximately translates to 465 children.
Dickinson stated that for each angel tree and each child that a family applies for, they provide some toys and clothing.
“We thank the community for their continued support for us for Holiday Helpers, and also thank Clay Electric for their support and grant, and the churches in the community,” said Tina Lazaro, Office Manager for St. Williams Catholic Church.
This year, due to limited funds from the shutdown and an increase in the number of children in need of gifts, the holiday helpers were only able to provide a meal and a goodie bag, as opposed to the larger gifts that they had provided in past years, such as blankets, slippers, and other essential items to brighten the holidays.
