The Good Samaritan Ministries’ Christmas in July fund drive is more than halfway over but there are still almost two weeks left to send in donations.

The idea behind the drive is simply to share a little Christmas spirit in the middle of a hot summer and to allow people to give now without so many things pulling on the pocketbook.

The Christmas boxes are given in addition to regular grocery staples and contain most of the ingredients needed to prepare a traditional Christmas dinner.

“It costs about $30 to provide one family with a box filled with Christmas food,” said Angelia Bostick, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Ministries. “But a donation in any amount will go so far to help a family prepare a traditional Christmas dinner.”

The boxes are given out in December and packed in November. Last year, during the month of December, there were 1,415 families who picked up food. That number increases every year so the need will likely be even greater this year.

Donations for the Christmas in July fund drive may be mailed to P.O. Box 1136, Brownwood, TX 76804, drop it by 305 Clark Street or make a donation online at goodsambwd.org. For more information, please call 643-2273 or 325-203-2489.