It’s July in Central Texas, summer is in full swing bringing with it three-digit temperatures but things are decidedly much cooler this time of year at Good Samaritan Ministries.

That’s because July begins the month-long Christmas in July fund drive at GSM.

“The purpose of Christmas in July is to raise money for the Christmas boxes we give out in December,” said Angelia Bostick, Executive Director of GSM. “The Christmas boxes are given in addition to regular grocery staples in December.”

December is always the largest month for families coming to the food pantry. Last year, 1,263 families received regular grocery staples and Christmas boxes. That number has increased each year and there is no expectation for that to change.

“We are currently averaging more than 1,000 families per month and adding new families daily,” Bostick said. “It’s likely the number of families we see in December will continue to increase as well.”

Bostick said that raising money in the middle of summer serves a dual purpose. First, it allows GSM to not have to come up with the full cost of food when ordering in November. Having some of the money already in the account for the purpose of providing Christmas food helps offset the cost later. Also, raising money in July helps those who are donating, as well. It allows people to give during a time when money may not be stretched quite as thin as it may be during the holidays.

It only costs $30 to provide one box of food to one family in December. A Christmas box contains most of the ingredients to provide a traditional Christmas dinner – something many of us take for granted.

“There are so many creative ways individuals and businesses can participate,” Bostick said. “Businesses can simply write a check in any amount or encourage employees to hold a collection.”

They could even encourage employees to dress in Christmas wear in the middle of July to show their support or challenge another business to see whose employees could provide the most Christmas boxes. The possibilities are as endless as they are fun but the end result is a  Christmas meal on the plates of our friends and neighbors.

Please consider making a donation to help GSM provide Christmas boxes. Donations may be brought in to 305 Clark Street, mailed to P.O. Box 1136 or made online at goodsambwd.org.