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December 5, 2009

Varnell to play Santa at Providence

By Charles Oliver

Varnell Mayor Dan Peeples says he was very impressed when he visited Dalton’s Providence Ministries recently. In fact, he was so impressed with Providence’s efforts to help the homeless that he was inspired to do something to help them out.

“When I was driving home, I started thinking that on Christmas Day, after opening our presents, my wife (Katie) and I ought to go there and help them serve meals and hand out toys to kids,” he said.

He says he told a couple of fellow City Council members about his plans and they were not only inspired to join them, they suggested they put it in the city’s newsletter and invite everyone in Varnell to join them.

“The people in Varnell really want to help Varnell grow and help Whitfield County get better, but a lot of people just don’t know where to start,” he said. “So we just sent that out and said this is what we are going to do and if you can join us we’d appreciate it.”

Peeples said he immediately began getting phone calls and e-mails from residents who said they would help out.

“I got phone calls from parents saying they wanted their children to see that Christmas is not just about them getting presents,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to bring the citizens of Varnell together.”

Peeples said he is asking residents to meet at City Hall at 10 on Christmas morning and from there drive to Providence Ministries. He says he is also asking those who can’t go to bring new, unwrapped toys to City Hall.

In addition to serving dinner, the mission gives toys to kids who otherwise wouldn’t get Christmas presents.

Roy Johnson, executive director of Providence Ministries, said he’s never had city leaders invite all their residents to help out.

“That’s a first for us. We are really excited about it,” he said, adding that volunteers make the traditional Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners at the ministry possible.

“Last year, we probably had more people at this mission than any mission in the United States,” he said.

Johnson said the mission served dinner to around 3,800 people last year and he expects this year’s dinner will be as large.

“We’ve been getting calls already and have been for about a month. People want to get toys for their kids,” he said.

Johnson said those who want to volunteer can arrive at the mission at 711 S. Hamilton St. as early as 9:30 a.m. to start helping out. Those who want to donate toys can bring them by the mission. Johnson said they should be for children 13 and under and should be new and unwrapped.

“We probably need a little more help for the older ages. It’s a little tougher to buy for them,” he said.

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