Residents of Huachuca City are rallying together this holiday season to support local families in need through an annual initiative aimed at providing food and toys. As of now, approximately 23% of the town’s population lives below the poverty line, according to data from the Census. The Town of Huachuca City has launched its Christmas assistance program, which is accepting applications for food boxes and toys for low-income families.
The program is spearheaded by Suzanne Harvey, the Town Manager, who expressed the joy of participating in such community-driven efforts. “I think it’s one of the best parts of my job, being able to do things like this,” Harvey stated. “You see it all over their faces. They’re very grateful, very happy and often astonished because they don’t expect much canned goods.”
This week, the town began accepting donations, with local residents contributing toys and food items specifically for redistribution. All contributions are sourced from the community and are intended to ensure that children have presents to open and families have meals during the Christmas season. Harvey noted, “We’re still unloading things, so we are really, really grateful.”
Despite the substantial donations of canned goods received so far, the program is still in need of essential items such as turkey and stuffing to complete Christmas meal boxes. Harvey emphasized the program’s goal of ensuring that every family has a joyful holiday experience. “We think that everybody should have a bright Christmas. This is something we wanted to do to give back to our community, but I need to say that we wouldn’t be able to do it if not for the generosity of the folks that live here,” she added.
The Christmas assistance program not only provides immediate support but also aims to offer enough food to last beyond Christmas Day, reducing potential food waste while ensuring ongoing nourishment for recipients. “It will feed them beyond Christmas Day. Oh, that’s so wonderful, right?” Harvey said.
Community members can drop off toy and food donations at the Huachuca City Library and Town Hall. The initiative aims to alleviate the stress of the holiday season for families facing financial hardship, as Harvey noted, “What I see on their faces is gratefulness, but also relief.”
Applications to receive toys and food boxes are available at the Huachuca City Library. Families will be selected based on their need, with hopes that there will be enough resources to assist everyone who submits an application.
This initiative highlights the commitment of Huachuca City’s residents to support one another during the holiday season, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility that is crucial for those facing difficult circumstances.
