Payson Roundup

When many us wake up on Friday morning, our bellies will be full of turkey and pie and our minds good cheer.

Thanks to the generosity of countless Payson residents, 361 families who could not otherwise afford a turkey dinner, are also well fed.

On Wednesday, the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank reported they received more than enough turkeys and fixings to handle some 360 families that needed baskets. Last year, the food bank received around the same amount of turkeys, but only 265 were handed out.

“Considering everything with the economy, the food that we received prior to yesterday (Monday) was more than you expected,” said Wayne Parent, food bank manager. “The school came through with more than 3,000 pounds, and various organizations and food drives from all over the community donated.”

On top of the number of turkeys, Parent said 34 people helped distribute the turkeys from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

With the Christmas season now upon us, there are a number of simple ways to give back, from ringing a bell for the Salvation Army to donating a toy.

Next week, Senior Angel Christmas Trees and other Angel Trees will be going up around town. The Senior Angel Christmas Tree will now be at each of the Edward Jones offices in the community.

Angel Trees for children in the community will be at National Bank of Arizona and elsewhere. Look for the locations in future editions of the Roundup.

On Dec. 5, families that need help buying gifts for their children can register for assistance through the Payson Public Safety Christmas for Kids program. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Payson Town Hall Council Chambers.

Another way to give and receive, is to drop off a new toy at Gerardo’s Italian Bistro, 512 N. Beeline Highway, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with a great tamale dinner from the Payson Public Safety Christmas for Kids.

If you can’t afford to donate monetarily, consider donating your time. The Salvation Army is in need of bell ringers. Bell ringers are stationed at Bashas’, Safeway, Walgreens and Walmart from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24.

If you would like to volunteer, contact Ray Kinsman at (928) 474-6577, or Jenny at (928) 970-0601.