Christmas operation Holiday Central rises for greater need of community

Increase in demand leads to increase in supply for Mt. Vernon’s annual Christmas distribution event
 
On Saturday, Dec. 12, volunteers filled the MARC gymnasium to set up the first ever drive-through Holiday Central event.
Due to the COVID climate, volunteers and organizers of the event decided to make this year’s event a minimal contact, drive-through event, with families remaining in their vehicles during pick-up and volunteers placing items in the cars.
Larger amount than in years past
This year the organization saw a greater need for donations than in years past. Due to a multitude of donations, Holiday Central helped 195 families and a total of 665 people, including 300 children and 130 senior citizens.
Organizers grateful for generous community
When asked what made this year’s event so special, volunteer Bethany Cook Douglas, gushed about the generosity of the community.
“Holiday Central is such an integral blessing that our community offers each year to our friends and neighbors during the holidays. The amount of community support Holiday Central receives is always surprising, but 2020 has been an exception for us. The need was so great, our numbers of children in particular rose this year, and yet Mt. Vernon rose to the challenge and gave lavishly. We served record numbers with record donations. It’s such a huge blessing to the committee and volunteers to serve our community and we are grateful for such a successful 2020 distribution.”
Volunteers crucial to making event successful
Douglas also reported that Holiday Central had about 40 volunteers that helped the day of the actual event, but closer to 100 who helped with organizing and setting up donations. Schools also played a vital role in the success of this year’s event. Mt. Vernon Elementary School collected donated food items to be given away, the Intermediate School held a wrapping paper drive, collecting more than 800 rolls, all to be given to Holiday Central and local off-season athletes helped to move boxes of donated items.