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Another community organization is hoping to ensure this Christmas is a merry one. The WJCC Community Action Agency’s Christmas Food Program returns Wednesday for its 39th year of giving food to those in need.

“Every year, we find more and more people that need the support,” said Amy Holman, the agency’s executive assistant. “We want to take care of our community. We want them to know that our agency is there for them and that their community supports them.”

The Christmas program provides food baskets to hundreds of families and individuals in Williamsburg, James City County and upper York County. In recent years, the organization gave out an average of about 500 baskets; this year, they’re anticipating that number could near 600.

Baskets include items such as turkey, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing and canned vegetables. Flour and sugar are also available to help with other baking needs.

“A lot of the other agencies do Thanksgiving,” said Rebekah Hinson, the agency’s interim executive director. But she said Christmastime doesn’t generate as many food drives, and seasonal expenses such as holiday shopping and higher electric bills can place additional strain on people’s wallets. “We try to fill the gap.”

Hinson said that in addition to low-income families, many elderly individuals in the area struggle during the holiday season.

Donations for the program were collected throughout November. The agency further ramped up efforts this year, partnering with the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank for a food drive Dec. 2-3 at Walmart on Rochambeau Drive. The two organizations each took half of the 3,900 pounds of nonperishable food donations received.

Agency volunteers seek food donations at Walmart over the weekend of Dec. 2-3.
Agency volunteers seek food donations at Walmart over the weekend of Dec. 2-3.

“It was a great partnership, and it was very nice to see the community come out and support members of the community who need assistance,” Holman said. “We feel really blessed.”

The agency continues to seek volunteers for Wednesday’s food drive as they work to spread the word to those who would benefit most from the service. Efforts such as the food drive aim to provide much-needed relief during a time of year so closely associated with hope and joy.

“It’s all about spending time with the family and being there for the kids. A lot of our families, they’re already struggling enough as it is,” Hinson said. “We want to provide something to give them a little bit of piece of mind.”

Interested?

The Christmas Food Program runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the WJCC Community Action Agency, 312 Waller Mill Road, Suite 405. To register at the event for a food basket, bring a valid ID, proof of residency and proof of income.

To volunteer or learn more, call 229-9332.