Chamber Honors Volunteers for “Christmas In Jefferson County”

Staff Photo by Kim Myers, Jefferson County Post Staff Writer

“We couldn’t do it without the volunteers.”  Those were the words from Don Cason, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce President, as he spoke at a meeting designed to thank all those who make Christmas in Jefferson County possible.  Christmas in Jefferson County is a group of donors, sponsors and volunteers who provide food baskets and Christmas toys to families around the county and 2013 was one of their most successful years.  They provided 575 food baskets, 100 senior nutrition baskets and toys for 559 children.  This was all made possible by the work of 50 monetary sponsors, 62 toy sponsors and 127 volunteers.  These volunteers begin work in September as Karen Blomdahl, who serves as Registration Chair for  Christmas in Jefferson County, begins the process of registering those who will receive Christmas help.  The next three months are filled with hard work as toys and food items are gathered and packaged for distribution.  These volunteers provide a “Merry Christmas” to an ever growing number of Jefferson County residents.  The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce works together with the volunteers and those who serve as committee chairs for Christmas in Jefferson County.  Fred Taylor, Pam Dockery and Karen Hodge, along with Karen Blomdahl, fill these committee chair roles.  This family of volunteers gives much more than their time and they provide more than a meal or a Christmas toy.  They share the true spirit of the Christmas season, peace on earth, goodwill to men.