It may be three-digit temperatures outside, but a cold front is moving in.
Well, maybe not a cold front exactly, but it will soon be looking a lot like Christmas! Christmas in July, that is.
The Good Samaritan Ministry is weeks away from beginning its month-long Christmas in July – a drive to raise money for the Christmas boxes they give away to their clients in December.
“We realize it’s early to be thinking about Christmas, but we wanted to give individuals and businesses the opportunity to give for Christmas when they aren’t so overwhelmed by the holiday season,” said Misty Bowers, Public Relations Director of the Good Samaritan Ministries.
Last year during the month of December, 1,262 families picked up food from the Food Pantry. Already this year, we’ve seen a 17 percent increase over last year. At that rate, there will be an extra 215 families this year. With food boxes estimated at $35 a box and we allow for the 17 percent increase over last year that would mean we would need at least $51,695.
“December is always our largest month,” said Bowers. “It would be reasonable to assume that we could see as many as 1,500 families this December. And we may have to pay more for the food that we order. Gas and grocery prices are increasing, too.”
So in preparation for the increase, GSM will hold a Christmas in July drive to raise money for the extra boxes of food that they will have to order to accommodate the holiday rush.
“What we would like is for businesses to contact us if they would like to have donation jars set up in their lobby or somewhere in their place of business,” Bowers said. “We’ve contacted some, but know there’s no way we’ve reached everyone and would love for as many businesses as possible to be involved.”
Anyone who would like to have a donation jar may call Misty Bowers at 325-203-2489 or email office@goodsambwd.org. She said she will deliver jars either the last week in June or the first of July.
In addition, GSM is adding a little extra incentive. They will hold a holiday-themed drawing once a week on Fridays during July. In order to register, a person would need to make a donation at the GSM location at 305 Clark Street. When they make a donation, their name will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket. If they take a tour while they are at GSM, they can enter their name twice.
“We’d love to encourage other businesses to hold drawings as well as a means to thank and reward people not only for their donation to GSM, but for making that donation at your place of business,” Bowers said. “How fun would it be for the business community to get into the spirit of Christmas in July?”
Bowers said that any business participating in the drive in any way should leave the information with her via phone or email so it can be included in all of the public service announcements and information they present to the public.
“We’d be happy to let the community know where they can make donations, as well as what drawings may be held each week in July and where when we do our regular radio shows,” Bowers said.
For more information call Misty at 325-646-2473 or 325-203-2489.
