Williams News Logo
Grand Canyon News Logo

Trusted local news leader for Williams AZ and the Grand Canyon

Create a new tradition by donating to local charities

The holiday season is upon us. During the holidays, the generosity of the people of Williams shines brightly. We hope to see the brightest shine ever during this holiday season.

Several local organizations are seeking donations to assure that everyone in our community celebrates a joyous holiday season. Following is a list of organizations we are aware of that are seeking donations of time, food, and money. If we have missed anyone, please contact us so we can promote your cause and help your organization succeed.

• For nearly 40 years, the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority has sent Christmas boxes to military members from the Williams community. The boxes are an annual tradition and servicemen and women eagerly anticipate the arrival of these boxes from home every year. The boxes are filled with homemade cookies, non-perishable food items, toiletries, an Arizona Highways and a pine bough.

The boxes were packed on Dec. 1. Longtime ESA member Dorothy Miller mailed 40 boxes on Dec. 2. The cost of postage was approximately $700. Boxes are also sent throughout the year to service personnel serving in Iraq.

If you did not have the opportunity to donate to ESA's Christmas box project, donations are still being accepted. Donations are always welcome and will be used for future mailing of the boxes. For more information or to donate money, contact Miller at 635-4330.

• The Williams Food Bank prepared and distributed 120 Thanksgiving food boxes for area residents who might not otherwise have had a holiday meal. The organization plans to distribute Christmas food boxes and is seeking donations of turkeys, hams and non-perishable food items.

The food bank is operated out of the St. Agnes Apartments, 200 S. Ninth St., where donations are always welcome. Director Guy Mikkelsen can be contacted at (928) 635-2913.

• Salvation Army bells will be heard through Sunday. Bell ringers are still needed. The best part about bell ringing is no experience is required.

Salvation Army volunteers ring bells to encourage the public to donate to the Salvation Army fund. All monies donated remain in Williams to help those in need and send children to camp. If you have received help from the Salvation Army in the past, volunteering to ring a bell is a great way to repay what you have received.

If you have never had the pleasure of watching individuals caught up in the holiday spirit give when there's less than usual to give, contact Carol Glassburn at 635-4503.

• The Williams Lions Club is sponsoring the Toys for Tots Drive to provide toys for children who otherwise might be overlooked by Santa.

"Angel cards" have been placed on Christmas trees at National Bank of Arizona, the Stockmen's Bank and the Williams Ranger District. Anyone wishing to provide a toy for a needy child can select a card from a tree, purchase a toy suitable for the child chosen, wrap the gift and return it to the location where they were selected.

Williams Lions Club members will deliver the gifts to children's homes before Christmas.

If you are aware of children 12 or under who should be included in the toy drive, contact Lion Edie Phillips at (928) 635-4784 with the child's name, age, sex and address so they may be included in the list.

• The Williams Kiwanis Club is seeking volunteers to host its Third Annual Holiday Dinner. The dinner will be held from noon-2 p.m. on Sunday at Doc Holliday's Steakhouse. Children ages 0-12 will have the opportunity to participate in a free raffle. Every child that attends will receive a stocking filled with candy.

Doc Holliday's owners, Kevin and Sherrill Kennelly, are providing their restaurant, and many others are donating turkeys, hams or dollars to help buy what is needed. Volunteers to handle various aspects are also needed.

To donate or volunteer, leave a message for Deirdre McLaughlin at (928) 635-1383.

• The Grand Canyon Railway & Resort is accepting toy donations in conjunction with the Polar Express. New, unwrapped toys are being collected at the depot. The toys will be presented to the Annual Northern Arizona Law Enforcement Toy Drive and will be distributed throughout northern Arizona.

Santa and NALE hopes to collect 15,000 toys in 2005 and are looking for toys for children ages 0-18. This is the fifth consecutive year that the GCR has spearheaded a toy collection. If you did not know about the toy collection and food drive, it's never too late to donate. Contact the GCR at (800) THE-TRAIN or visit www.thetrain.com.

Keep the Christmas spirit alive in Williams by donating to any one of these charitable organizations. The old adage, "It is better to give than to receive" rings true this time of the year in Williams. It doesn't matter how much you have to give. Quantity is not what is important. The rewards you will personally reap will increase your own joy and appreciation of the holiday season.


Donate Report a Typo Contact