The town of Huachuca City, Arizona, is taking proactive steps to support families in need this holiday season by launching its annual Christmas assistance program. According to recent Census data, approximately 23% of the local population lives below the poverty line, underscoring the importance of this initiative.
The program provides food boxes and toys to low-income families, ensuring that they can celebrate Christmas with essential meals and gifts. Applications for assistance are currently available at the Huachuca City Library, where families can register to receive these items.
Suzanne Harvey, the Town Manager of Huachuca City, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “I think it’s one of the best parts of my job, being able to do things like this. You see it all over their faces. They’re very grateful, very happy and often astonished.” The town began its donation drive this week, calling on residents to contribute food and toys, which will be redistributed to families in need.
Local community members have responded positively, with many donating canned goods, toys, and other essential items. Despite the substantial contributions, Harvey noted that there is still a pressing need for turkeys and stuffing to complete the Christmas meal boxes. “We think that everybody should have a bright Christmas. This is something we wanted to do to give back to our community, but I have to say we wouldn’t be able to do it without the generosity of the folks that live here,” she added.
The program not only provides immediate support but also aims to extend nourishment beyond the holiday. Families will receive enough food to last beyond Christmas Day, helping reduce food waste while ensuring that recipients have meals for several days. Harvey emphasized, “It will feed them beyond Christmas Day. Oh, that’s so wonderful, right?”
Donations can be dropped off at the Huachuca City Library and Town Hall, where community members are encouraged to contribute to the cause. Harvey noted the relief and gratitude evident on the faces of families who benefit from the program, saying, “What I see on their faces is gratefulness, but also relief.”
As the program continues to accept applications, the town hopes to gather enough resources to assist every family that applies. The initiative is a testament to the community spirit of Huachuca City, reflecting a collective effort to ensure that no family is left behind during the holiday season.
This Christmas assistance program represents a significant step towards alleviating hardship and fostering goodwill in the community.
