Russellville mayor David Grissom and city council members will be busy elves during this year’s Russellville Christmas Parade as they walk the parade soliciting toy and gift donations for Russellville’s “Helping Santa” Toy Drive.
Local law enforcement and firemen placed donation boxes throughout the city last week to collect toys for needy children. “Helping Santa” is sponsored by all departments of the City of Russellville and benefits as many as 800 children each Christmas, said Russellville city councilman Gary Cummings.
Council members will walk the parade next to a truck pulling a trailer, and everyone in attendance is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift for a child to the parade. The council will collect the gifts through the parade.
Russellville’s annual Christmas Parade is set for this Thursday, December 1 at 6:30 p.m.
“We did this the last two years, and it’s been very successful,” Cummings said. “People really responded, and we appreciate it.”
A community worship service held last week at Russellville Church of God raised more than $1,500 for the Helping Santa program.
Recommended toy donations are in the $5-$10 range, with a special need for gifts for children 13 and older.
The deadline to sign up for assistance with the Helping Santa program has been extended through Friday, December 2. For more information, contact the Russellville Fire Department at 256-332-8760.
