Samaritans Christmas Basket Distribution

December 19, 2019

In addition to the groaning tables full of food at the Marlow Elementary School library, cash donations totaled over $1500 for Marlow Samaritans. Students who made above-and-beyond contributions to the annual food drive are:
Front row, from left: Cade Thurson, Charlotte Leitner, Adley Barnes, Ari Suarez, Cache Brumley, Kamree Davis, Anderson Toumbs, Ty Gray, Aiden White, Aiesha Patel.
Second row, from left: Dason Flores, Piper-Ann Vanbibber, Londyn Price, Colton Wheeler, Lillian Smith-Kinsey, Karson Mayes, Logan Cheves, James Waller, Stetson Peck, Sofia Pena, Karson Shea, Tucker Fitzpatrick
Third row, from left: Ellie Caveny, Paisley Thorne, Haddie Robles, Chesnie Dittner
Back row, from left: Lexi Freeman, Kendyl Trusty, Addy Head, Kaley Davis, Devin Woods, Trevor Gibson, Hayden Summers, Ethan Edens, Preston Nichols, Milo Thurston, Hadley Townsend, Landry Turpin, Gabe Nunn

Sign up time for the annual Marlow Samaritans Christmas food boxes has closed and now it’s time to get ready for the distribution this Saturday.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare the boxes that will be given to each family who signed up during the seven day time period. Anyone who did not sign up will not be able to participate.

If you are on the regular monthly food program but failed to sign up for this event, the next regular distribution will in January.

Beginning Thursday, Dec. 19, volunteers will gather all food goods that have been donated and deliver them to the First Baptist Church Life Center located on North 4th Street.

Once collected, sorting and counting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec, 20th. Items will be sorted by, i.e. green beans, corn, cereal, etc.

“Anyone wishing to help with this endeavor is welcome to come, even if it’s only for a couple of hours, we can use your help,” said Cricket Holland, of the Samaritans.

“None of this would be possible if it were not for all the wonderful volunteers who give of themselves in order to help other families during this Christmas season,” she added.

On Saturday morning, Dec. 21, at 8:30, volunteers will begin filling each of the boxes with a variety of food items.

“We have high schoolers, Scouts, youth church groups, adults (young and old) helping us and it is a tremendous blessing. Our community is filled with the most giving people I know. So many have also helped us financially to prepare for this huge food give away,” Holland said.

“Students, on all three campuses, have worked hard to make Saturday a reality by providing canned goods for the 245 families who signed up; local businesses have helped by providing cereal, chickens, butter, eggs, bread and canned goods. This just wouldn’t happen without all of these people!” she said.

“Also this year, families who indicated they would like to receive caps and gloves for their children will receive them at the same time they pick up their food. Eternal Life Church donated the items and will be distributing them,” Holland added.

Directions for picking up the boxes will remain the same as the past few years. Cars are asked to line up on 4th Street, heading south; Marlow’s volunteer Firemen will assist in directing cars to their proper place and volunteers will gather names and sheets for clients to sign. (Drivers are asked to obey signage displayed by the City street dept. as it will help create good traffic flow.)

“The Firemen keep everyone organized and in proper lanes for speedy pickup service,” Holland said. “In the past, they have stood in freezing rain and never complained.

“Our community is filled with good people, really good people! There are just so many, many folks who make this a great event in so many different ways….my heart says they are all Marlow Samaritans!” Holland said.