Possum Town Outreach set to help neighbors have Merry Christmas

Once again, Possum Town Outreach will collect items to help Sneedville residents in Hancock County this Christmas season.

Headed by Wilson County Commissioner Jerry McFarland, Possum Town Outreach will gather items for residents of Hancock County, the second poorest county in Tennessee and one of the poorest in the nation. In the county, 93 percent of children rely on the free or reduced school lunch program.

"We've been doing this for years and years, at least for 15 to 18 years," McFarland said. "Generally, one truck is enough if we get it stacked right."

The organization is sending out the call for a wide variety of items, including non-perishable food; winter coats; sanitary items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, etc.; and new or gently used toys.

"This year, we want to take additional items such as serviceable bicycles and tricycles and house-keeping items such as pots and pans, dishes and plastic cups," the commissioner said.

Possum Town Outreach is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, so monetary donations not only help families in need, but are also tax deductible for donors.

"By buying bulk food items, such as potatoes, flour and canned goods from distributions, PO can stretch a small donation into a lot of food for needy families," McFarland said.

He said monetary donations may be made to Possum Town Outreach, P.O. Box 26, Lebanon, TN 37088.

The tractor trailer used to take donations to Hancock County will be in downtown Possum Town, across from Friendship Christian School, beginning Monday. Donations may be dropped off anytime. Those who require assistance with donations may call McFarland at 615-330-8474. Donations may also be taken to the Possum Town Christmas parade, which will step off Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. in front of Friendship Christian School.

The delivery caravan will leave early on Dec. 19 to deliver the donations with the help of the Hancock County Rescue Squad.

"[This] will be just in time to help the wonderful people of Hancock County have a Merry Christmas," McFarland said. "Anything your church, organization or club can do to assist us would be greatly appreciated."

Staff writer Mary Hinds may be reached at 615-444-3952, ext. 45 or maryhinds@lebanondemocrat.com.