The Unity in the Community Organization shared the spirit of Christmas by hosting “Sharing in the Community Christmas Social.” The event was held on Sunday, December 27 at the Zion Grove A.M.E. Zion Church in the G. Riddle Banquet Hall.
Although the Christmas Social was originally scheduled for December 20, inclement weather (snow) caused the event to be postponed for one week. Participants say that the one week delay was worth the wait.
The purpose of the event was to offer the senior citizens of Polk County and surrounding areas an opportunity to be pampered. The guests were treated to a sit down catered meal with live entertainment.
A complete fine dining atmosphere was created with decorations, lighting, printed menus, catered food, and volunteer servers.
Volunteer waiters and waitress attended to the guests every need. A segment of the social was designated for fun and games which all of the seniors say they enjoyed.
More than 70 seniors attended the event .The seniors commented that the food was delicious and the gathering made each of them feel special. In addition, each participant received a gift basket, fruit basket, one of an assortment of wrapped gifts.

The remaining gift and fruit baskets were distributed to needy individuals and families in Polk County by the area pastors. Special recognition was given to Ms. Addie L. Hines who turned 93 years old on December 30.
This event was funded by a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation. The catered meal was from Mountain View Barbeque and Deli in Columbus.
Entertainment was provided by Allen McEntyre, and India Godlock. Rev. Keith Knox, Pastor of Garrison Chapel Baptist Church in Tryon served as master of ceremonies.
Others who participated in the event were Alicia Twitty; Rev. Barbara Phillips, pastor of St. Luke Baptist Church; Rev. Arnie Twitty, pastor of Green Creek Baptist Church; Rev Eleanor Miller, pastor of the New Zion C.M.E. Church, and Rev. Rob Roy Staley, pastor of the Zion Grove A.M.E. Zion Church. David Staley was the event planner.