By Noah Chandler

nchandler@cullmantimes.com

Cullman Caring for Kids has taken over the food distribution duties for Christmas Love.

Javon Daniel, Cullman Caring for Kids director, said this is the first year for Christmas Love to be run through their facility. He said those responsible for starting the program 20-years ago have reached a point where they are physically unable to continue.

“We wanted to see part of the tradition carry on,” Daniel said. “If we do at least part, the tradition will stay alive. We are going to hand out food, but there is a part of us that wishes we could do the whole thing.”

That is when Daniel and programs coordinator Nancy Bryant were asked to continue the food portion of the program. Daniel asks those who will be receiving items not to crowd the facility on the first day.

“Everyone will get the same amount of food. No more, no less,” Daniel said. “There will be no difference in the amount of food that will be given out. It doesn’t matter if you come on the first day or the last day. Everyone will get the same.”

Both Daniel and Bryant said there is a need for volunteers for the upcoming Christmas Love distribution. They said Cullman Caring for Kids needs 12 volunteers a day for the three-week event.

Christmas Love will be held at the Cullman County Food Bank on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and then again from 1 -3 p.m. The event will run from Nov. 26 through Dec. 18.

Besides volunteers, Bryant said they need non-perishable food items such as, macaroni and cheese, pork and beans, canned vegetables, dried beans, rice, brown sugar and soup. She asks if anyone in the community has any special supplies, such as candy canes or Christmas type goodies, to contact her office.

Daniel said on top of the normal 6 tons of food given out each month as part of the food bank, he expects 14-16 tons to be handed out this during the three- week event.

Cullman Caring for Kids asks anyone who wants to donate money for the Christmas Love program send a donation to P.O. Box 698, Cullman, AL 35056. If anyone wants to volunteer for donation duties or has food to donate, call the Cullman Caring for Kids office at 739-1111.