Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas is right around the corner.

If you want to enjoy the spirit of giving, now is the time to make a donation to Share A Christmas Dinner, a program which has provided food for needy families in Warren County for nearly four decades.

As Share prepares for its 39th consecutive year in our community, donations are needed to keep the program operational. Hundreds of families receive a food box packed with groceries each year thanks to Share. The food is more than enough for a Christmas feast to feed even the largest families.

The Rotary clubs in McMinnville are spearheading this year’s Share program. Rotarians note that Warren County is a great place to live, but the community is not immune to hunger.

According to statistics obtained through the Warren County Schools federal programs department, 73.9 percent of Warren County students meet the federal guideline to be classified as living below the poverty level and over 253 students were classified under homeless guidelines in our county in the 2018-19 school year. 

The recipients of the Share A Christmas Dinner boxes are screened for eligibility. The food boxes include a ham, vegetables, bread, milk, eggs, and other staples. Each box costs around $30.

“In this upcoming season of giving, as you decide where to focus your philanthropy, please note that for those who are hungry, it is difficult to truly enjoy opening presents,” said Shane Brock, president of McMinnville’s Noon Rotary Club. “Providing a bountiful, nutritious, meal is one of the kindest ways to spread the joy of Christmas.”

Donations are currently being accepted at Cleaners Express, Security Federal, and Citizens Tri-County Bank. Donations may be mailed to Share A Christmas Dinner, P.O. Box 7001, McMinnville, TN 37111. 

All checks should be made payable to McMinnville Rotary Community Fund. This community fund is a 501(c)3 organization. 

“Our goal is to distribute 375 boxes this year,” said Brock. “The more funds we collect, the more meals we can share.”