Good Hope prepares for busy holiday season

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Sharon Schuler Kreps

Plenty of folks came out to enjoy last year's Thanksgiving meal.

The City of Good Hope has some good things going on over the next few weeks, to get its folks into the swing of the Thanksgiving-to-Christmas holiday season.  Councilman Greg Brown gives us a rundown.

8th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal

On this coming Wednesday, Nov. 23, the city will celebrate Thanksgiving with a free community dinner.  School lunchroom staff from Good Hope and Hanceville, along with council members and other volunteers, will be cooking and serving at the Good Hope High School lunchroom.  Meals will be ready to eat in or carry out, starting at 11 a.m.  There will even be drive-through service, with local Boy Scouts directing traffic to get everyone in and out quickly.

And… it’s FREE.  There will be no charge for anyone to take part in this meal.  Good Hope residents are encouraged to invite people in need, to take meals to shut-ins and the elderly and to feed friends and family.  The council has planned for 1,200 meals to be available.

Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park

On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m., the city will hold its Christmas parade, starting at Good Hope High School and proceeding to the park at City Hall.  The parade will include area school bands, scouts, horse riders, and local churches.  The Grand Marshal will be Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry.

Once everyone gets to the park, local kids and their families will be treated to train rides, hot food and refreshments, inflatables and of course visits with Santa.  All activities and food will be free.

Christmas Food and Gift Drive

While Good Hope celebrates, it also remembers those for whom the holidays might not be such a happy time.  For them, the city and Good Hope Elementary School are holding a drive to gather food and gifts for distribution to families in need during December.  Last year, the program helped 30 area families with gifts and food, and was even able to give each family a turkey.

Items being requested include new unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items (canned goods and dry goods) and small gifts.  No age range is given for the toys; Brown notes that in previous years the program has served families with kids from babies to teens. Monetary contributions are also welcome. Those who wish to donate can bring items or money to Good Hope City Hall or the Good Hope Dollar General.

The drive is already underway, and will continue through Dec. 5.  Distribution will begin as soon as donations can be organized and families can be lined up.

 

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