The Sharing in the Community Christmas Social was held recently at the G. Riddle Banquet Hall of the Zion Grove A.M.E. Zion Church with more than 90 people in attendance.

The Christmas social was made possible by the Polk County Community Foundation 2013 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 fifth consecutive year, a delicious catered meal was provided by Mountain View BBQ and Deli of Columbus and was served by volunteer waiters and waitresses, who attended to the guests’ every need.

The menu consisted of a choice of two meats (beef brisket or meatloaf), corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans and slaw. The guests had a choice of desserts that were prepared and donated, mostly by members of the community, which included pound cake, coconut cake, apple delight cake, orange pound cake and chocolate pound cake.

Rev. Keith Knox, pastor of the Garrison Chapel Baptist Church, Tryon was the Master of Ceremony for the evening. Rev. Rob Staley, pastor of the Zion Grove A.M.E. Zion Church, Mill Spring, gave a heart-warming speech of his most memorable Christmas. JoNai Dawkins and Carlos Chavez, sang songs of the season.

Also performing was Perrin Hines, Miss Lyman Teen of Spartanburg, S.C. and the New Vernon Dance Team. The Genesis III Band of Green Creek provided further entertainment.

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 more than 120 wrapped gifts, gift baskets, fruit baskets and gift bags. The remaining gifts were given to local community leaders and pastors to distribute to the needy and senior citizens in the community.

Others assisting with the Christmas social were Rev. Barbara Phillips, Roy Miller, Michelle Miller, Linda Hines, Sharon Rogers, Terry Hines and numerous community volunteers.

– article submitted by David Staley