Editorial: Sharing is Caring Community Christmas Store is another worthwhile Dalton event

Published 12:00 am Thursday, December 13, 2018

Our community does its best to make sure the holidays are merry for the less fortunate. From our local Toys for Tots drive to Christmas Day at Providence Ministries to the many churches that sponsor families this month, our caring spirit shines extra bright during the holiday season.

One of the largest community holiday events takes place Saturday at the North Georgia Fairgrounds.

The Sharing is Caring Community Christmas Store is “a community-based project designed to provide Christmas for children in Whitfield County who are living in poverty or whose family circumstances might prevent them from receiving Christmas gifts,” according to organizers. The event is not open to the public. To be eligible for the Christmas Store, parents were required to take three instructional classes this past fall to earn the required three certificates to shop there.

The Salvation Army spearheads the event, but the group relies on an army of volunteers and community donations to make the event a success.

In all, more than 1,000 children will receive toys and clothing on Saturday. And there’s still time for you to help out.

Volunteers are still needed. Organizers will accept new toy donations through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds (commercial exhibits building 2). Financial donations are welcome. Mail them to Sharing is Caring Christmas Fund, C/O Jackie Taylor/finance chairman, 405 School St., Dalton, GA 30720. Make checks payable to “Sharing is Caring Community Christmas.”

If you’re able, we ask that you help out with the Sharing is Caring Community Christmas Store by either volunteering or by making a donation. You’ll be making a difference in the lives of children during this special time of year.