Sussex County kicks off annual food drive
Sussex County government has kicked off its yearly food drive for community food banks heading toward the 35th annual Caroling on The Circle, set for 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 3, in downtown Georgetown.
Each year, the event doubles as a food drive for hungry families in Sussex County, drawing hundreds of residents – along with the support of area schools, businesses and civic organizations – who turn out to sing Christmas carols and collect canned goods for area pantries, churches and food banks. The food drive will extend throughout November and December.
In 2017, the food drive collected more than 27,000 items for nearly a dozen organizations. County officials aim to collect as many or more this year, and are encouraging the public to do their part now to “Pack the POD,” a portable storage shed that will be set up on The Circle. Since its inception in the 1980s, Caroling on The Circle has helped collect almost 700,000 items.
The historic Sussex County Courthouse and The Circle will serve as the backdrop for an evening of traditional and Spanish carols, as well as a visit from Santa Claus. WBOC TV’s on-air personality Jimmy Hoppa will emcee this year’s event, which will feature local singing artists Kevin Short and Ed Shockley. Also joining in the performances will be the Georgetown Middle School and Mariner Middle School choirs, and the El Centro Cultural group.
Following the festivities, free cookies and hot chocolate will be available at the Georgetown Fire Company, one block south of The Circle. The event is free to attend. Participants only have to bring nonperishable food items for donation.
Food items will be collected that night, but donations can be dropped off until the end of December, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the county administrative offices, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Donations also can be made at the county's west complex, off Route 113, in Georgetown, and at the Delaware Coastal Airport terminal building on Rudder Lane, just east of Georgetown.
Caroling on The Circle will be held regardless of weather. In the event of rain or snow, it will be moved inside the fire hall on South Bedford Street. For more information, call 855-7700.
