Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Two Jonesboro nonprofits are working to provide a day of holiday family fun for those in need this weekend.
Hosted by Neighbors in Need NEA and the McCullough-Watkins Youth Foundation (MWYF), the Christmas Community Picnic will have a hot meal, give away free toys for children while supplies last, have photo opportunities with Santa, and several vendors, all for free. The event aims to feed over 3,000 people.
This is the second time Neighbors in Need NEA has partnered with the MWYF, with the two groups first partnering back in July for a back-to-school themed community picnic.
Neighbors in Need NEA will be providing food and photos with Santa, while the MWYF will be leading the toy giveaway portion of the event.
“Money’s tight for everybody these days,” said Neighbors in Need NEA cofounder Brad Dillon. “Anytime we can help some people get ahead, help a family get ahead, it’s always something that we’re willing to do, and it’s a blessing that we’re able to do it.”
Fried, smoked, and barbecue chicken, as well as baked beans, corn, green beans, mashed potatoes, drinks, and desserts from Nadiaz Kitchen will all be served.
Toy donations and volunteers are still needed. To sign up to volunteer, contact De’Angelis Bullard at (870) 273-4733. Volunteers will assist with event setup, serving food and working the various activities, and cleanup. Click here for more information about volunteering.
Dillon said volunteers to deliver meals for those without vehicles were also needed. Those needing a delivery can contact Dillon at (870) 273-4389 or message the Neighbors in Need NEA Facebook page. Delivery requests must be made by noon on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Toys, which must be new, can be donated at Catherine Dillon State Farm, located at 2212 Fowler Ave. Suite A, or at Ebony Expressions, located at 3915 E. Nettleton Ave. Suite A. Toys must be donated by Friday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m.
“Community is important, especially with a lot we’re dealing with in the world right now,” said MWYF founder Jamyra Dority. “It’s a way to show everybody that we’re able to come together and provide a hot meal to people in need, as well as toys, and just community and partnership.”
In addition, several vendors will be present and providing free services or items, which are listed below:
- Democratic Party of Craighead County: Assisting with voter registration
- First NEA: Providing warming blankets
- Liberty Tax: Assisting with filing tax refunds
- Period Impact Project: Providing free feminine hygiene products
- Restore HUB: Offering its resources for low-income families
- St. Bernards: Blood pressure screenings and health education
The Christmas Community Picnic will be Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Bernards Auditorium, located at 505 E. Washington Ave.
“Bring the whole family, bring your kids and any other neighbors that [you] may be aware of,” Neighbors in Need NEA cofounder Adrian Everett said. “If you want to take a plate back to them, feel free to let us [know,] we’ll make that happen.”
