Editorial: Spread a little Christmas cheer Friday night at the football games

Published 9:24 pm Thursday, August 31, 2017

Area high school football fans attending the two local games Friday night can spread a little Christmas cheer in September by bringing donations of toys for the community-wide Sharing is Caring Christmas program that does so much good locally during the holiday season.

Fans are asked to bring unopened toys valued at $15 or more to the Northwest Whitfield High School versus Dalton High School and the Murray County High School versus Southeast Whitfield High School games. Collection tables will be set up at the main gates at both games.

The first 200 fans with such donations will receive a “Gifts from the Gridiron” T-shirt.

“Gifts from the Gridiron” volunteers will also be at the North Murray High School versus Coahulla Creek High School football game on Oct. 20 to collect toys.

The toys will be made available in the Sharing is Caring Christmas store for families that need help providing gifts for their children. Organizers say the Sharing is Caring program typically helps more than 350 families each year in providing toys to children who might otherwise have to go without during the Christmas season.

Sharing is Caring is a community group led by the Salvation Army whose members work together to make the program a success. And there is a greater mission than providing the toys. The parents involved must complete at least three family instructional classes to earn certificates in order to “shop” at the store. Those who do can choose three gifts per child. The classes are at local schools and community centers and are taught by teachers, social workers and volunteers from the area. Topics include sexual abuse prevention training, coupons and meal budgeting, creating a homework area, communicating with school officials and a parents guide to social media.

There will be winners on the field of battle Friday night. But there will also be winners in the stands who take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to brightening the holiday season for some of the precious children in our community.