The Jessamine County Fire District is receiving donations for this years food drive for those in need. Each year many volunteers come together and contribute their time and resources to help make this happen. It’s always such a worthy cause as last year the drive was able to fill over 250 large boxes (including turkeys) for those who could use an extra blessing during the holiday season. The Jessamine County Fire District has always taken an active role in the community, simply because they want to do all they can to help the families of Jessamine County.

As district chaplain I will help organize the event again this year. It truly takes a village to accomplish such a massive project.

The team members are now seeking financial support from local businesses and individuals. Applications will be taken for the boxes starting at 9 a.m. Oct.22 – 23. The boxes will be distributed from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Nov. 17. Both the applications and distribution will take place at the County Fire department on the corner of John Watts Drive. It takes around $9,000.00 for each distribution and these charitable donations are tax deductible. The old saying is true, “if everyone gives a little, we can accomplish a lot.” In previous years, there was enough money to have Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes. However, last year there were only enough funds for Thanksgiving.

I want to say a huge thank you, to all the volunteers who give their time and resources to this event and everyone that has donated in the past. There are so many details associated with this endeavor and we truly appreciate everyone’s help. I know these boxes are an encouragement to many families and all of us are very happy and excited to be a part of this outreach. It’s so heart-warming to hear the people and even the children telling the volunteers God bless you, and how much this means to them.

No one is paid for their services, and there is no tax money involved. Individuals provide their personal trucks and trailers to transport the food and others use their own vehicles to deliver boxes all over the county. For the elderly and disabled that cannot drive for health reasons, we will gladly deliver the boxes to them. Last year, the volunteers looked up to see a nice lady bringing a huge box of donuts along with a beautiful card of appreciation. She had received a box the year before and was now coming back to say how much she appreciated the love and generosity of the community in her time of need.

We are sadly aware that many children in our community are hungry. It’s emotional when we see a child reach into the box and open the jar of peanut butter and eat it with their fingers. These are the times when you realize there is a huge need all around us and also one of the driving forces behind why so many people have become involved.

If anyone is interested in making a contribution to the food drive, or wishes to volunteer with the process contact psalmz103@gmail.com.

Billy Holland

Nicholasville