Chattooga Family Connection and the Community Resource Center of Chattooga are preparing for a busy holiday season, with plans for a free food distribution event, a Christmas donation drive and opportunities for local residents to volunteer.

The organizations are inviting the community to get involved, whether by receiving assistance, donating items or giving a few hours of their time to help others.

10th Annual Home for Holidays Event

Chattooga Family Connection will host its 10th Annual Home for Holidays event on Thursday, November 19, from 1 until 3 p.m. at the Community Resource Center of Chattooga, located at 50 Eleanor Avenue in Summerville.

The event will feature free food distribution and community resources for Chattooga County residents. It will be conducted as a drive-through event and is open to all county residents.

Christmas Stuff a Stocking Donation Drive

Chattooga Family Connection is also collecting donations for its Christmas Stuff a Stocking campaign, which provides small gifts and useful items for children, teenagers and families in the community.

Suggested donations include socks, hats, gloves, lip gloss, chapstick, hygiene products, hairbrushes, journals, cups, water bottles, perfume, cologne, toys, dolls, action figures and gift cards.

Organizers say even small donations can make a difference in helping bring some Christmas cheer to local families.

Community Resource Center Seeking Volunteers

Meanwhile, the Community Resource Center of Chattooga is looking for volunteers to assist with several ongoing programs.

Morning volunteers are needed to sort, organize and prepare produce for guests, while afternoon volunteers can help clean and prepare the pantry for the following day.

Additional opportunities include helping guests at the front desk, sorting and organizing clothing in the Clothes Closet, assisting with truck deliveries and unloading, and picking up donations from the Dollar Store in Trion.

The center also welcomes flexible volunteers who can fill in wherever help is needed. Some opportunities are weekly, while others are occasional.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up online at crcchattooga.galaxydigital.com.

Together, the programs offer Chattooga County residents several ways to help their neighbors during the holiday season, whether through donations, volunteer service or participation in the upcoming Home for Holidays event.