More than 100 families in the Clearwater and Clear Lake area had a Merry Christmas thanks to the generosity of people and businesses in their community and the help of lots of dedicated volunteers.
The Clearwater/Clear Lake Food Shelf distributed Christmas meals Monday and Tuesday to families who needed some help getting through this Holiday season.
“It’s our annual Christmas basket,” said Karie Gohman of the food shelf. “Basically, it provides a family with a meal for Christmas.”
In addition to a gift card to purchase a ham, families received vegetables, milk, eggs, margarine, fresh potatoes, bread, rice, cereal, pasta and a specialty potato, like scalloped or au gratin.
“And we try keep in mind that the kids are going to be off from school, so we know they’re going to need some extra assistance,” said Gohman. “So pasta is always good, and macaroni & cheese.”
There was also a selection of cake, cookies and variety of sweets. How much each received was determined by the size of the family. Gohman said the families ranged in size from one to nine, with most in the four to five range.
The kids also had a chance to meet with Santa and get a gift. One generous local merchant purchased all the toys. When families signed up for their basket, they included the ages of their children. All kids 17 and under got a gift, handed out by Santa and his elves.
The food shelf distributed 111 meals for Christmas compared to about 100 on Thanksgiving. Gohman said the numbers are usually higher at Christmas.
Generous donations throughout the years by people, businesses and organizations make it possible.
