The Sharing in the Community Christmas Social was recently held at the G. Riddle Banquet Hall of the Zion Grove A.M.E. Zion Church, with more than 80 people in attendance.

The Christmas Social was made possible by the Polk County Community Foundation 2012 Seasonal Assistance Grant, and was sponsored by the Unity in the Community Organization. The event provided fruit and gift baskets and live entertainment for senior citizens and needy families of the

community. For the fourth consecutive year, a delicious catered meal was provided by Mt. View BBQ & Deli of Columbus NC, and was served by volunteer waiters and waitresses, who attended the guests ever need. The menu consisted of, a choice of three meats (beef brisket, meatloaf, or baked chicken), corn on the cob, potato salad, and baked beans. The guest had a choice of desserts that was prepared and donated by members of the community, which included pound cake, coconut cake, apple delight cake, orange pound cake, and chocolate pound cake.

Rev. Eleanor Miller, pastor of the New Zion C.M.E. Church was the Mistress of Ceremony for the evening. Rev. Phil Forney, pastor of  Wheat Creek Baptist Church, Mill Spring, gave a heart-warming and comical speech of his Most Memorable Christmas. Ruth Briscoe and Dorothy Staley of Tryon, as well as, Michael Haulk of  Forest City N.C., sang songs of the season. Live music was provided by The Genesis III Band, Green Creek NC. One of the highlights of the evening was the segment of, fun and games in which the audience was required to participate.

The evening closed out with all attendees selecting a gift of their choice from an assortment of over 140, wrapped gifts, gift baskets, fruit baskets, and gift bags. The remaining gifts were given to local community leaders and pastor to distribute to the needy and senior citizens, in the community.

Others assisting with the Christmas Social were, Rev. Arnie Twitty, Nicole Twitty, Roy Miller, Michelle Miller, Linda Hines, Rev Keith Knox, Rev. Rob Staley, Terry Hines, and numerous community volunteers.

– article submitted