In an effort to brighten the holiday season for struggling families, Huachuca City has initiated its annual Christmas assistance program. The program aims to provide essential food boxes and toys to local low-income families, benefiting those in need.
According to the latest Census data, approximately 23% of Huachuca City’s residents live below the poverty line. The town’s initiative seeks to alleviate some of the burdens faced by these families during the festive season. Applications for the program are currently available at the Huachuca City Library, with recipients chosen based on their financial need.
Suzanne Harvey, the Town Manager of Huachuca City, expressed her enthusiasm for the program. “I think it’s one of the best parts of my job, being able to do things like this. You can see it all over their faces. They’re very grateful, very happy, and often astonished because they don’t expect much canned goods,” she said.
The town commenced its donation drive earlier this week, encouraging residents to contribute food items and toys for redistribution. Donations are directly sourced from local community members, ensuring that gifts and meals reach those who require them most.
While the response has been generous, particularly in terms of canned goods, Harvey noted that additional items, including turkey and stuffing, are still needed to complete the Christmas meal boxes. “We think that everybody should have a bright Christmas. This is something we wanted to do to give back to our community. I must stress that we wouldn’t be able to do it without the generosity of the folks that live here,” she added.
The program is designed not only to support families on Christmas Day but to extend nourishment beyond the holiday. “It will feed them beyond Christmas Day, which is wonderful,” Harvey remarked, emphasizing the importance of reducing food waste.
Community members wishing to contribute can drop off donations at both the Huachuca City Library and Town Hall. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the stress for families facing financial difficulties during the holiday season. “What I see on their faces is gratefulness, but also relief,” said Harvey.
For families looking to receive assistance, applications for toys and food boxes are available at the library. The town hopes to gather sufficient food and toys to accommodate all applicants, ensuring no child goes without a present this Christmas.
As the donation drive progresses, the community’s response underscores the spirit of giving and support in Huachuca City. With the holiday season approaching, local efforts like this play a crucial role in fostering a sense of togetherness and compassion among residents.
