Around Williams: Week of Dec. 8, 2010

Donations needed for food boxes

The Williams Food Bank is seeking donations of necessary food items for several hundred Christmas food boxes. Frozen turkeys, stuffing, canned fruits and vegetables, dessert mixes, coffee or any other appropriate foods are being accepted now through the holiday.

Items may be donated at 200 S. Ninth St. Monetary contributions are tax deductible and also appreciated. To make a donation or find out how you can help, call Guy or Angie Mikkelsen at (928) 607-6421 or (928) 607-7915.

Visit with Santa

Come visit Santa Claus noon-4 p.m. Saturday at the Williams Recreation Center, 301 W. Railroad Ave. Santa will have goody bags for all the children. Make crafts and enjoy free refreshments while the children visit Santa. Professional photos will be available for a fee, or bring your camera for a free photo.

Luminary parade Saturday

A luminary parade will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday. A Nativity procession will begin at Monument Park, proceed down Route 66 to Slagel and back up Railroad Avenue. The procession will be led by a truck playing music followed by Joseph and Mary on horseback followed by carolers.

Staging begins at 5:30 p.m. at Monument Park. Sponsor luminaries in front of your business for $25 or purchase individual bags for $1. Volunteers are needed to set up luminaries at 4 p.m. at the Williams Recreation Center. Donations are needed and can be dropped off at Amanda's Beauty Box, 101 N. Fifth St. Portions of the proceeds will benefit SAVE-Meant to Rescue.

For more information or to find out how you can help, contact Amanda Orozco at 699-1606.

Buy Avon, help youth

The Williams Recreation Center is hosting a fundraiser through Dec. 18. Shop online at www.youravon.com/ajividen. Click the online events tab and shop. Thirty percent of sales goes directly to the Williams Youth Center. Use code WMSYTHCTR2010 at checkout. The fundraiser is sponsored by Patti Jackson on behalf of the Williams Youth Center Project.

Chili cook-off on hold

Due to multiple holiday activities, the chili cook-off set for Saturday at the Canyon Club has been postponed. Organizers say the cook-off will be held in January when everyone is not so busy.

Mix it up Friday

Everyone is invited to the Annual Christmas Open House and Mixer 5-7 p.m. on Friday at the Williams-Forest Service Visitor Center, 200 W. Railroad Ave.

The 50/50 drawing will benefit Salvation Army. New chamber members will be recognized along with the residential and business lighting contest winners and parade winners.

For more information, call (928) 635-0273.

Toys for Tots needs presents

Christmas is fast approaching and the Williams Lions are again organizing the Toys for Tots project in Williams to provide toys for less fortunate children in the Williams area. If you know of any children 12 or under who should be included in Toys for Tots, please contact Lion Edie Phillips at 635-4784 with the child's name, age, sex and address to insure they are added to the list.

Cards have been placed on Christmas trees at National Bank of Arizona, Williams Health Care Center, the Williams Ranger District office and the Christmas Tree Gallery. Anyone wishing to provide a toy for a needy child can pick a card from a tree, purchase a toy suitable for the child selected, wrap the gift and return it to the location where they were selected. All gifts must be returned by Dec. 15. Williams Lions Club members will deliver the gifts to children's homes before Christmas

If you prefer to contribute a cash donation or an unwrapped gift, contact Phillips or any Williams Lions Club member. Unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at the Christmas Tree Gallery.

Help the Lions brighten Christmas for all the local children who might otherwise be passed over by Santa Claus.

Get a treat from Santa Dec. 19

The Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion's Cordova Post No. 13 are hosting a meet and get a treat from Santa 2-5 p.m. Dec. 19 at the legion, 425 W. Grant Ave. The event is open to children ages 10 and under.

Leave letters to Santa at Mountain Joy

Children are encouraged to bring their letters for Santa to Mountain Joy Treasures & Gifts, 225 W. Route 66. You can get the North Pole Stamp on your letters and leave them in the North Pole Mail Box or take them to the post office yourself. You will receive a sweet treat when you come in.

Bell ringers needed

The Salvation Army of Williams is seeking volunteers to ring the bell at National Bank and Safeway each weekend until Christmas. To schedule a time, contact Carol Glassburn at 635-4503.

Community Holiday Dinner Sunday

The annual Community Holiday Dinner will be held noon-3 p.m. Sunday at Doc Holiday's Steakhouse, 950 N. Grand Canyon Blvd.

This will be a complimentary holiday dinner with all the trimmings. Ham, turkey, dressing, potatoes, vegetables, salad, rolls and cookies will be served. Santa Claus will arrive on a big, red fire truck and there will be gifts for all children. Pictures with Santa will be taken and given to all children.

There will be a special raffle for 10 new bicycles. Don't miss this great opportunity to be a part of the community and celebrate the holiday season. This dinner is sponsored by all the service clubs and community organizations.

Donate a food or toy, receive a discount

FooteWork Auto License and Title Service is sponsoring the "Toys for Tots" and the "Williams Food Bank" campaigns. They are giving a 10 percent discount to customers off the convenience fee for their next title transfer if they bring in an unwrapped toy, or canned food/non-perishable item on their next visit to support one of these charities. Footework is located at 820 W. Route 66. Footework wishes everyone a very safe and joyous holiday season.

Give Willie a home

Willie the white tiger will be given to children who attend the Williams Community Dinner in December. Virginia Quinn of Avon and Carol Glassburn of Williams Needs an Angel are accepting donations of $20 each. As of this week, 200 donations are needed. To donate, drop by 106 S. Ninth St. or call Quinn at 635-0677 or Glassburn at 635-4503.

Dance like a Granny

Dancing Grannies meet at 1 p.m. each Wednesday at the Williams Senior Center, 850 W. Grant Ave. The group welcomes new members.