Christmas in July is almost over and the annual Good Samaritan Ministries’ drive has raised just at $2,000 for the Christmas boxes to be given away in December. Last year, $6,800 was raised during the month-long drive.

It only takes $30 to provide a box of food with most of the ingredients needed to prepare a traditional Christmas dinner for one family.

So far this year, GSM provides grocery staples to an average of 1,030 families per month. At this time last year, they were averaging around 930 families per month.

“During December of 2012, 1,363 families were given Christmas boxes along with their regular grocery staples in December,” said Angelia Bostick, Executive Director of GSM. “Each year that number has increased so we have no reason to believe this year will be any different.”

Bostick said that if they anticipate 1,400 families this December – which she believes is a conservative number – at $30 a box, they would need to raise $42,000 to cover the cost of Christmas food. That’s not counting the cost of regular grocery staples.

“Our families really look forward to the Christmas boxes,” Bostick said. “It’s one less thing to worry about during a time when, traditionally, money is stretched pretty thin and it gives them the opportunity to provide a home-cooked meal for their family.”

Bostick said their hope was that during Christmas in July they could help to offset the cost of the food they will have to buy in October or November.

“We know times are hard for everyone right now,” Bostick said. “We hear from business owners and church leaders frequently about how everyone is struggling right now and no one can appreciate that more than we do.”

However, Bostick said, even in hard times this community has always come out in a big way to help those served by GSM and to ensure that no one ever has to be turned away for food.

While there is only a week and a half left for Christmas in July, that doesn’t mean that giving for Christmas boxes has to end there.

“Having the money in the account means a lot less stress in October and November when we order the food,” Bostick said. “Whether it comes now or later, $42,000 is a lot of money on top of our usual operating and grocery costs.”

Consider committing $30 a month from now until December. That’s less than the cost of a family of four eating dinner out one time.

Maybe a Sunday school class, civic organization, etc. would like to collect funds to donate for the Christmas boxes.

Let the kids in on the fun and do special chores to earn money to donate for a Christmas box.

Maybe business is slow and a large donation is out of the question, but only $300 would provide a Christmas box to 10 families.

Bostick said to be creative.

“We’d love to hear some of your ideas,” Bostick said. “Like us on Facebook and share how you are raising money for Christmas boxes.”

Visit GSM’s website at goodsambwd.org and click the button to like them on Facebook and share your story.

Anyone who would like to donate may bring money to 305 Clark Street, mail it to P.O. Box 1136, Brownwood, TX  76804 or make a donation via PayPal at goodsambwd.org.

For more information on Christmas in July or any of GSM’s programs and events, call 643-2273 or 203-2489.