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This year I wanted to see
what goes on down at the Community Hall the week of the Christmas
baskets. I decided to do a photo shoot chronicling the process. I met
oodles of folks there every day, some participating all 6 days, others
new each day. This is the most incredible community outreach program.
I don't think any part of the South County goes untouched by the
community gift baskets from those who need the baskets to make it
through the holidays to those who shop, plan and plead for donations.
There are wrappers and packers, stackers and errand runners. This is a
pretty big deal that seemingly involves every service club, church,
and person in the area. What a fantastic out pouring of heart!
Day 1. Volunteers set up rows of
tables and fill the Community Hall with Boxes waiting to be filled.
Day 1, 2 & 3. Various groups drop
off dozens and dozens and dozens of bags of wrapped gifts and those
waiting to be wrapped. There are odd shapes, big stuff, little stuff
and bikes of many sizes.
Day 2. Operations central is
surrounded by 100 numbered staging areas with lists and coffee in
hands everything is checked once and then once again.
Day 3. The organization begins to
take place. The boxes are set on tables, row after row. Gifts on the
tables, corresponding food boxes just below.
Day 4. All the packages are
wrapped and recipients for each have been chosen.
Day 5. Perishable foods start
arriving, breads, vegetables, milk and more.
Day 6. Final deliveries of eggs
and turkey. A last walk through by the volunteers assures all is in
place.
Families come to pickup their boxes of
gifts and food.
Each day is like a little miracle has
happened between my photo shoots. The transition from an empty room to
meals and gifts for 100 families is absolutely incredible. The hours
the volunteers put into this project are heart warming and each day I
left the Community Hall in awe and often in tears..
Groveland is really neat! |
Hotel Charlotte
