Published: December 04, 2008 09:59 am      

Spirit of giving encouraged at area events

Want to help out your neighbors and have some fun at the same time?

Then we strongly recommend heading to the 400 block of South First Street in Clinton late Friday afternoon.

The Canadian Pacific’s Holiday train will stop adjacent to the parking lot across the street from Happy Joes Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor, 408 S. First St., at approximately 5:15 p.m as it travels across North America connecting communities to raise money and food for local food banks. In Clinton, there will be several entry areas set up to collect donations of canned goods and cash, items that will help local folks in need.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. the modified box car that has been turned into a traveling stage for performers will open. Multiple award-winning Canadian recording artist, Shaun Verreault, of Wide Mouth Mason, and Juno award-winning singer and songwriter, Melanie Doane, will be the musical headliners on the train.

Ane while we're at it, we also want to remind people that donations are needed for Clinton's Holiday Network and Toys for Tots, two campaigns that also help brighten the holidays of local families who need assistance.

We are hearing from organizers that the need is going to be great this year, so we are encouraging residents to get involved.

Residents can find drop box locations for Toys for Tots on its Web site www.toysfortots.org.

Information for supporting this year’s drive can be acquired from Sheryl and Larry Villa at 242-5808 or larryvilla@q.com and from volunteer representatives Kim Point and Rebecca Edwards, employed by U.S. Bank. They can be contacted at 243-8500.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Holiday Network can drop off items at the Salvation Army or the RSVP office.

Our hope is that area residents will do what they can for those who find themselves in need of help this year.