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For the fourth year, Do Not Lose Hope, a local nonprofit with a mission to end the stigmas associated with mental health, was at Tryon’s Christmas Parade this year, presenting “Feeding the Foothills.” 

They gave away 400 T-shirts, 300 hot dogs, three large crockpots of chili, 24 large pizzas, and more than 100 cotton candy wands. Polk Senior Services provided a hot chocolate bar. Not a drop of anything was left! Local artist Martin Cordova, again, gave away 40-plus pieces of his fabulous original art. Brad Whitney purchased 200 rugby shirts that were embroidered with “Do Not Lose Hope.” 

Thank you to St. Luke’s Foundation and Polk County Health & Wellness Coalition for providing volunteer servers. All parade attendees sincerely appreciated the food and goodwill, and were reminded that others care in our wonderful community!

—submitted by Polk County Health and Wellness Coalition