White County is filled with individuals and groups who help their neighbors in times of need. With some people having had their food assistance delayed, that basic need must be met more now than ever. And, as we do every year, we find there are families in our community that need an extra boost especially with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approaching.
Here’s a thumbs up to…
• The folks who sponsored a child or family through the White Christmas initiative. The charity is sponsoring 482 children, but more than 200 were in need of sponsors as of last week. Visit the White County Board of Education today, Nov. 13, or tomorrow, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to select a family to sponsor.
• The White County Public Libraries in Cleveland and Helen for allowing patrons to eliminate overdue fines by donating non-perishable food items now through Dec. 15. Each item removes $1 from a patron’s library fine. Donations support the White County Food Pantry.
• Travis Chapel United Methodist, for holding a Thanksgiving Dinner Fundraiser from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 14. The church is at 387 Hood Street in Cleveland.
• Organizers of the White County inaugural Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk, which starts at 9 a.m. (register at 8 a.m) this Saturday, Nov. 15, at Yonah Preserve Recreation Center, 327 Asbestos Road in Cleveland. Proceeds benefit United Way and the Northeast Georgia Veterans Society.
• The Cottage Vineyard and Winery for holding a White County Food Pantry fundraiser from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at 5050 US-129 in Cleveland.
• White County Family Connection and the First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland for holding a free food drive-thru for White County residents starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 47 N. Main Street in Cleveland.
• Yonah Community Church for hosting a free 3rd Thursday (in November and December) free groceries event from 10 a.m.-noon at 52 Helen Highway in Cleveland.
• Family Promise for the 8th annual Thanksgiving Pie Auction from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25. To bid, call 706-865-3181.
• The Sautee Nacoochee Center which serves as a drop-off site for non-perishable food donations, Monday- Friday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 283 Hwy 255 in Sautee, to help support Family Promise and the White County Food Pantry.
• The post offices in White County for holding a food drive on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, to help supply the White County Food Pantry.