The front parking lot at McMinnville Civic Center made its annual transformation Friday into a massive food distribution network.
Warren County High School students with the Interact Club and Southern Standard employees joined together to see Share A Christmas Dinner through to completion for 2014.
Interact Club members once again showed it’s better to give than to receive, a saying that’s especially true during the Christmas season, and honor the club’s motto of “Service Above Self.”
“I’m having fun,” said Interact Club member Olivia Newby. “I’ve been helping with distribution day since sixth grade. I always enjoy it. It’s not snowing this year so that’s good. Even if it was, I would be right here helping out.”
Jett Urtubees, who was one of those helping place boxes in vehicles, says he enjoys distribution day and says “Merry Christmas” to the food box recipients.
“I like to say Merry Christmas to the people as I put a box of food in their car,” said Urtubees. “That’s what this is all about – making sure everyone has a Merry Christmas. Sometimes they say it back and sometimes they don’t. It’s OK either way.”
Friends Katie Blankenship and Abigail McKinley shared the delicate task of placing a dozen eggs and loaf of bread in each box.
“For me, this event is about the joy of giving,” said McKinley. “Giving to others at Christmas time makes you feel good.”
Blankenship added, “Doing this makes you feel grateful. When you know that others might not have something as necessary as food, it makes you more appreciative of what you have.”
The Standard has organized Share A Christmas Dinner for more than three decades. Share is a holiday program aimed at providing a full-course meal to those in need. More than 450 boxes are distributed to needy family in our community annually. In the boxes are eggs, milk, bread, chicken, vegetables, fruit, and dessert items.