SCOTT CITY NEEDY GET HELP

SCOTT CITY -- Scott City firemen will deliver food baskets to 52 needy families this weekend. Other Scott City organizations are also giving the needy a helping hand this Christmas.

"It makes us feel good that we're able to do something for these people," said Les Crump, Scott City fire chief. "There's nothing like going into a house with a box of food and the children hug you."

The firemen sponsor the food drive annually. Turkeys, canned goods, cake mixes and milk are donated by Scott City businesses and civic organizations. Some individuals also donate money or food to the drive.

"These individual contributions are just as important as the contributions made by the businesses," Crump said. "It really shows that people care."

Food baskets will be delivered Saturday morning by the volunteer firemen, who have been gathering the food for several weeks.

Needy children will also receive new clothes for Christmas thanks to the Scott City Women's Club.

Club Treasurer Nona Walls said 96 school-age and younger children will receive clothing purchased by the club.

Toys collected by the National Honor Society at the Scott City High School will also be given to the children.

Walls said the club raised $2,300 this year through bake sales, craft and cookbook sales to purchase the clothing.

"It's a lot of hard work, but it's worth it," Walls said. "You know that it's going to make a little child really happy."

Each of the children will receive a pair of jeans, a shirt, socks, underwear, shoes and even a winter coat if they need it, she said.

Walls said parents can pick up the clothing and toys at City Hall beginning today.

Senior citizens are also getting a helping hand this Christmas. A group of high school students has raised about $500 that will be used to purchase gifts for senior citizens, said Ann Brock, administrator at the Scott City Nutrition Center.

The Sunny Hill Garden Club has also donated money to purchase fruit baskets for the senior citizens, she said.

Brock said most of the senior citizens have asked for simple gifts, like postage stamps, greeting cards, socks, hats, gloves and hand lotion.

"One lady told me all she needed was a chicken and a gallon of milk," Brock said.

About 80 seniors will receive fruit baskets, Brock said, and 30 will receive other gifts and food items.

"People have really been generous this year, even though times are tough," she said. "I think they realize how hard it is for those people who don't have anything."

The gifts will be delivered early next week.