The 40th annual Christmas Basket

Local volunteers worked to make the holidays brighter for some families. The 40th annual Christmas Basket finished up today with their distribution. For years, local churches helped provide goods to those in need. Boxes of clothing, toys and even bicycles filled up the Kingston Plaza Building earlier today. As well, were boxes of food filled with potatoes and dry food. After weeks of collecting items today was the day volunteers from all different clubs and groups around town passed out those gifts and boxes to recipients. “Its very rewarding to participate,” Roger Mayes, an organizer for the event, said. “And its fun to work with so many people were making a contribution to the community but were also enjoying each others company.” Each year, applicants for the basket get interviewed to see what is needed and any desired gifts for the family. This year the Christmas basket was able to help about 320 families, and about 930 children.