Sikeston-based holiday food drive expands

SIKESTON, Mo. — A community food basket drive made such a strong debut last year that organizers are expanding its coverage area from two counties to four and are aiming to serve 150 more families this Christmas.

Last year through "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" Christmas campaign, about 5,500 pounds of food were delivered to 101 families in Scott and Mississippi counties, and 138 children up to age 16 received toys.

"Right now we have 185 referrals (for this year)," said Roger Woolsey, "Neighbors" organizer.

This year's goal is to assist 250 families in Scott, New Madrid, Mississippi and Stoddard counties, Woolsey said.

Besides expanding its services, the campaign's name was slightly changed in memory of Tim Jaynes, who worked many years on the now-defunct Community Christmas Basket Campaign and passed away in July.

"Last year Tim drove us to do this. He was our basic mentor," said David McDermott, "Neighbors" organizer and a deputy juvenile officer for Mississippi and Scott counties,

To honor Jaynes, the campaign has been renamed "Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Tribute to Tim."

Woolsey and McDermott came up with the idea of "Neighbors" a few weeks before Christmas last year.

"It's not about gratitude," McDermott said about volunteering for the campaign. "It's about helping kids and the families who need something for Christmas. ... Everyone should have Christmas."

The Bootheel Food Bank is redistributing some of the food and items donated through the annual Boy Scout Food Drive to fill the food baskets. Other canned good and toy drives are being conducted by schools and other organizations throughout the area for the cause.

As the holiday nears, items for baskets, which are comprised of canned goods, a ham or turkey and toys, are being evaluated.

"It's a crucial time for us. The quicker we know what we need, the quicker we can call upon others to help meet our needs," McDermott said.

Currently the campaign is in need of meat — hams and turkeys — and dry goods like stuffing and macaroni and cheese, McDermott said.

McDermott said he's noticed donations are a bit tighter this year due to the economy but still thinks the campaign will be a success. However, he said meeting the goal of helping 250 families is challenging.

"If we can fill 250 boxes, there is somebody looking down and helping us. That's for sure," McDermott said.

Basket recipients cannot sign up for the campaign, McDermott emphasized. Families are referred to campaign organizers from only schools, Missouri Children Services, Juvenile Office and other agencies, he said.

Lists will also be checked against those of other local groups with holiday food programs so services to families won't be duplicated, McDermott said.

Among organizations helping this year include the Sikeston Optimist Club and Scott County 4-H Rodeo Club. Members are planning to help sort food and fill boxes.

"Everything the Optimist Club does is for children. The Scott County 4-H Rodeo Club does so much community service and things like that throughout the year," said Ronda Smith, who is the president of the Sikeston Optimist Club and also involved in the 4-H chapter.

The goal of volunteering is to help someone else, said Smith, whose husband and three children ages 8, 10 and 14, will also assist with the campaign.

Smith said: "It's a good thing for the family value — to teach children Christmas is not just about what you're getting but about what your giving."

To make a monetary or food item donation or to have donations picked up, contact McDermott at (573) 258-2028.