Fayette Cares’ Supporters Spread Joy to the World
Recent sub-freezing temperatures were no match for hundreds of warm hearted Fayette Cares volunteers who gathered to prepare holiday food boxes and provide toys for families in need.
The activities began early Saturday morning, December 10th at Warren Community Church where volunteers formed a massive assembly line to package and distribute more than 400 boxes of food for low income households. Volunteers of all ages cheerfully delivered Christmas turkeys, hens, venison and other trimmings to grateful families.
“I was amazed by the community generosity,” said Fayette Cares Case Manager Melody Blakemore, “when the cry for help went out, donors opened their hearts and gave generously.” Dozens of churches, schools, businesses, clubs, and individuals organized food and toy collections for Fayette Cares. Blakemore notes that supplies of critical items like canned meats, evaporated milk, peanut butter, and cereal, seemed to be at an all-time high.
Somerville First United Methodist Church hosted Santa’s Toy Shop helping nearly 200 children receive special gifts. Fayette Cares volunteers were overjoyed to distribute thousands of toys, nearly 100 coats provided by St. Philip Catholic Church Knights of Columbus, and close to 70 bicycles, half of which were donated by Somerville Presbyterian Church. Photos can be viewed at www.FayetteCares.org/Events and on the Fayette Cares Facebook page.
For families served by Fayette Cares, like victims of abuse seeking safety or families who have lost jobs, gifts of holiday food and toys are a blessing and a joy. For more than 30 years friends, family, and neighbors have joined Fayette Cares in serving those less fortunate. If you would like to make a difference, a holiday honorarium or memorial donation is a meaningful way to fund Fayette Cares’ year-round efforts to shelter the homeless, provide safety for victims of abuse, and create stability for families in financial crisis. These stress-free gifts are tax-deductible and can easily be made online at www.FayetteCares.org/Donate or by mailing a donation to Fayette Cares, PO Box 326, Somerville, TN 38068. Fayette Cares is a United Way agency.
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Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mendi Donnelly (center) helps fill Christmas food boxes for Fayette Cares.
Team Goodman serving the community at the Fayette Cares holiday food distribution. Pictured are Town of Oakland Mayor Chris Goodman and wife Gena.
From left are Fayette Cares volunteers Jennifer and Casey Clayton sorting thousands of toys to be distributed to disadvantaged children.
Members of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church serve snacks for volunteers at the Fayette Cares Christmas food distribution.
