By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



The City of Morris will change its charitable holiday giving this year.

In the past, families have been able to sign up for the city’s Toys for Tots drive to receive holiday assistance.

However, the theme of this year’s drive is “Families Helping Families” and the city is calling on churches to find families who need assistance.

“We’re doing something a little different this year,” said Morris Police Chief Brian Cochran. “We’ll see how it goes and then evaluate it for next year.”

The change has much to do with the city wanting to provide families who really need it and not to individuals who sign up to receive assistance from multiple sources.

“I did a little research and found it’s typically one to two families who are going around to the cities and putting in applications,” said Ray Densmore, a Morris city worker helping organize this year’s drive. “It’s sad to say, but you’ve got people taking advantage of it.”

Densmore said the city is calling on churches to provide the names of families who really need assistance this year. The city will then buy Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for the families and provide toys at Christmas for those children.

To help offset the cost the project, the City of Morris is counting on funds from the upcoming Christmas parade and fair on Dec. 1. The cost to enter the parade, purchase a booth or be part of a car show will be $15.

In an effort to generate interest in the parade and fair, trophies and ribbons will also be awarded to the best car and float. Rep. Allen Treadaway is scheduled to be grand marshal of the parade and help judge the car show.

Densmore said those interested in helping “Families Helping Families” can donate money or bring a new, unwrapped toy to city hall. Cochran also encouraged residents to donate to the United Way or the Salvation Army.

For more information, call Morris City Hall at 647-0596.