Special thanks to holiday volunteers

I would like to extend gracious thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this holiday season special for many needy families across Gulf County.

I know the wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners would not have been possible without God’s blessings, all of the volunteers and sponsors, the Oak Grove Church, Pastor James Wiley and Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Gainey. They both went beyond the call of duty, whatever the need. They ordered the food and supplies, directed, arranged, and efficiently assembled hundreds of meals.

Thanks to Tim and Crystal DuPuy for their sharing and consideration for others. They gathered coats and jackets and Christmas toys for needy children and helped several people along the way. They also cooked turkeys and donated their time helping people in the community.

A very special thank you to George and Hilda Duren, owners of the Piggly Wiggly and their great staff who assisted us every time we called no matter what. They cooked the dressing, baked cakes, revised delivery schedules, and helped us so very much. Thanks Mr. Duren for all you’ve done to help us with this dinner.

Thanks to Sacred Heart on the Gulf's Dietary department. They were all deeply involved with the turkey preparation for the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Their help was greatly appreciated by everyone involved.

We would like to thank Patti Blaylock and the staff at the Sunset Coastal Grill for cooking 15 turkeys in all, collecting toys, and arranging for the different visitors to help by donating Christmas toys for the community.

Charles Givens, owner of the Corner Grocery Store,  helped  the kids referred to as the GANG (getting to a new generation) by teaching them the importance of helping people in need, They  delivered over 200 plates around their community.

Thanks to Barbara Radcliff for making up the thank you flyers and for Ramsey’s Printing & Supply for printing and cutting them.

Eddie operated the computer that showed all of the volunteers what a wonderful gathering was held during Thanksgiving Day. He also played background music that helped set the theme. Special thanks to Sherrie Bowen who coordinated the sweet potato preparation and Sandie Kennedy for coordinating the green bean preparation. Plenty of help was needed for this massive undertaking.

Thank you all for making the volunteer program a success! Anyone interested in volunteering for this worthwhile program can call 850-381-6122 for more information.

Jerry Stokoe