Thanks to the generosity of the community, some families in the Clearwater area will be able to have a happier Christmas this year.

Monday, a group of volunteers packed baskets with food at the Clearwater-Clear Lake Food Shelf and presented them to families along with toys for their kids that afternoon.

“It’s our annual Christmas basket,” said food shelf coordinator Karie Gohman. “This year we’re able to provide clients with a Christmas meal.”

Baskets were filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables, pasta, eggs, different types of bread and rolls, margarine, dressing and pies. There were also chicken pot pies, pecans, granola bars and a pork roast as the main course.

Gohman said there were a total of 84 baskets.

“It’s a little bit less than last year. We saw that at Thanksgiving,” she said. “We’re hopeful that the economy may be picking up or people are with family for the holidays.”

Food was provided by Second Harvest, Coborn’s and Kwik Trip.  Clearwater Travel Plaza supplied all the toys, enough for all the kids from families who were registered for the baskets. The toys were handed out by Santa and his helper.

Gohman said it was a total community effort to make the event work.

“We’re very fortunate, not only for the  community response but for our volunteers,” she said. “I’m very honored and privileged to spend the day with these people. They know what kindness is all about and they’re willing to take time out of their busy day to put things together for everybody.”

The food shelf will be closed the week of Christmas and New Year’s It will reopen Monday, Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m.