People, Places & Events

Brookshire’s food drive in final weeks
Special to The Monitor
MABANK–Donations to the 26th annual Spirit of Christmas Food Drive are still being accepted as the drive moves into its final weeks.
The goal is to feed 13,000 families in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
The food drive is sponsored by Brookshire Grocery Company and various service organizations, including the Chandler Lions Club.
“Many families receive assistance through this effort, and every single donation counts,” director of public relations for BGC Sam Anderson said.
Donations may be made by placing non-perishable food items in designated bins inside participating stores before Christmas.
Items needed include canned meats, vegetables, soups, beans, rice and pasta.
Brookshire’s will give at least one baking hen to each family assisted by the drive.
In 2006, the company provided more than 15,000 hens. Food drive officials expect to provide the same or more this year.
The Chandler Lions Club will gather, sort, box and distribute the food before Christmas.
Anderson said the drive targets those most in need, especially the elderly and single-parent households.
Recipients are screened by local relief organizations or government agencies to verify degree of need.
All food will be distributed in the area where it is collected.

Santa story hour is a huge success
Special to The Monitor
MABANK–Amid the jingle of bells and the sweet voices of happy children, young and old alike, was heard the unmistakable voice of Santa’s “Ho! Ho!! Ho!!!”
He had arrived at the “Santa Reads” story hour proudly sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Cedar Creek Lake.
He read “The Night Before Christmas,” by Clement C. Moore at the Tri-County Library in Mabank and The Library at Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points.
Hosted by Mr. Russ and Ms. Linda, more than 177 children and adults were in attendance.
Santa also encouraged the youngsters to make reading a priority, as he does, and to visit a library regularly for a great selection of wonderful books.
As a special bonus, each boy and girl attending received a candy cane, “Santa Dust,” as well as a brand-new book, compliments of the Cedar Creek Lake Kiwanis Club.
Boys and girls in attendance included George Young, Ruby Espiricueta, Andy Espiricueta, Laura Espiricueta, Ashley Guevara, Cythlally Guevera, Chensey Warren, Mackenzie Nolen, Madison Nolen, Hayden Melrose, Kyler Mathison and Olivia Grose.
Also, Brooke Caldwell, Joey Grose, Sarah Elliott, Haley Elliott, Mary Elliott, Ryan Newland, Tyler Sparks, Jalyn Yakesch, Baylea Park, Brenda Dennie, Carter Dennie, Chloe Park, Khristian Williams, Andy Haertel, Haskelina Low, Michaela McDowell and Maci McDowell.
Also, Molly McDowell, Hunter Cook, Lillian Malin, Katie Hinis, Tyler Tarver, Tory Tarver, Michael Manios, Cayla Reed, Hayden Reed, Lilly Donathan, Mason Donathon, Jarid Henry, Compassion Henry, Dustin Yarbrough, Sarah Kent and Ashton Mathison.
Also, James Jones, Allison Kent, Parker Pearah, Seth Fox, Taylor Mathison, Lilliano Forrest, Angelica Forrest, Isaiah Hernandez, Lazarus Hernandez, Michaiah Hernandez, Dylan Yarbrough, Tucker Willingham, Addison Willingham, Madison Maddox, Noah Maddox, Jessica Cerveny, Christian Cerveny and Emma Compoc.
Also, Christopher Compoc, Lily DeGarma, Destiny Woodall, Alishia Michael, Katie Hinds, Skyler Leewis, Paige Lewis, Gabriela Romero, Jocabet Villanieva, Maricruz Villanieva, Sierra Ellzey, Ashton Ellzey, Nathan Mason, Eduardo Valencia, Maximiliano, Jazmine Dartanyou Pruitt, Noah Bevefield, Hanna Akin and Leslie Gross.
Also, Rachel Gross, Chris Horton, Nolan Howard, Randall Myer, Isbella Myer, Kristin Barnes, Sydney Baird, Kate Baird, Muireann Caronna, Mayson Meroney, Eryne Meroney, Zackary Batchelor, Harley Linder, Tristin Taylor, Austin Hailey, Alie Hailey, Connor Rowan, Stephen Sweet, Leighann Sweet and Sydney Garlock.
Also, Meredith Cooper, Ashley Tapp, Haile Buttram, Lexi Winkelvoss, Drau Neighbors, Carolyn Hardy, Dougins Johnston, Todym Littlejohn, Tristyn Littlejohn, Victoria Cantu, Samuel Cantul, Dakota Dooley, Jaykob Linder, Kayla Littlejohn and Brandon Black.
“Dandy Dinosaurs” story hour will be Saturday, Jan. 12. Mark your calendar.