Georgetown, Del., Nov. 2, 2016: Sussex County is once again banking on the community’s can-do spirit to stock the shelves of local food pantries this holiday season.
Sussex County government this week kicks off its yearly food drive for the community’s less fortunate and will celebrate that effort during the 33rd annual Caroling on The Circle event, set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, in downtown Georgetown. The food drive will extend throughout November and December.
Each year, the community singing event doubles as a food drive for hungry families in Sussex County, drawing hundreds of residents – along with the support of area schools, businesses and civic organizations – who turn out to sing Christmas carols and collect canned goods for area pantries, churches and food banks.
In 2015, the food drive collected more than 23,000 items for nearly a dozen organizations. Sussex County organizers are hopeful to collect just as many items this year, and are encouraging the public to do their part now to “Pack the POD” – a 14-foot by 7-foot portable storage shed that will be set up at The Circle – with food items for local food pantries.
County Administrator Todd F. Lawson said Caroling on The Circle helps the community do more than spread cheer – it exemplifies the county’s spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.
“Sussex County is an overwhelmingly giving community, no matter the need or the time of year. But it really shines during the holiday season,” Mr. Lawson said. “That generosity has certainly taken some of the worries off the tables of countless families in our community over the past 33 years of the Caroling on The Circle program. Just like those families in need, we’re thankful for every ounce and canned good of support the community has given and continues to give.”
As always, the historic Sussex County Courthouse and picturesque Circle will serve as the backdrop for an evening of traditional and Spanish carols, as well as a visit from Santa Claus. Georgetown’s own Sky Brady will host the event, which will feature local singing artists Kevin Short and Ed Shockley. Also joining in the performances will be the Georgetown Middle School and Sussex Central High School choirs and the El Centro Cultural group.
Following the festivities, free cookies and hot chocolate will be available for all to enjoy at the Georgetown Fire Company, one block south of The Circle. The event is free to attend. Participants only have to bring non-perishable food items for donation.
Food items will be collected that night, but donations can be dropped off from now until the end of December, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the County Administrative Offices building, next to the courthouse, in Georgetown. Donations also can be made at the County Administrative Offices West Complex, U.S. 113, in Georgetown, and at the Delaware Coastal Airport terminal building on Rudder Lane, just east of Georgetown.
Caroling on The Circle will be held regardless of weather. In the event of rain or snow, it will be moved inside the fire hall on South Bedford Street. For more information, call (302) 855-7700.
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