City hall accepting holiday donations for single mother

By LISA CHAPMAN / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Brenda Russell, utility clerk, sits beside the tree she decorated for Christmas at McMinnville City Hall. The box for donations of presents and food city employees plan to give a local family will be beside this tree located in the front lobby.

It’s the season for giving at McMinnville City Hall. Every year city hall employees get in the Christmas spirit by donating food, clothes and toys to a particular family or child at Christmas.

“There are so many people who need help around the holidays,” said city recorder Shirley Durham. “We like to do this instead of giving each other presents. We thought that some of our customers would like to give too.”

This year’s recipient is a single mother, 37, who seems to be having a hard time recently. Her son is 16 months old and she is also taking care of her elderly mother.

If anyone would like to donate items, a box is available in the front lobby of city hall. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 21. All perishable food items need to be dropped off on the last day.