Nov 26, 2012 2 min read

For eight consecutive years, the employees at the Family Restaurant at the Mt. Morris Truck Stop provided gifts and a Christmas meal for some needy children in Greene County. But tough economic times and other issues took a toll on their generosity.The restaurant was able to provide this meal through donations from people and businesses in the Mt. Morris area, as well as from truck drivers passing through. But in 2011 and this year, the staff decided to forego the event, and that is a shame.The staff is hoping it can launch the tradition again in 2013 for the sake of those who have come to rely on the Christmas spirit generated by the restaurant.Not all is bleak. The Tri-County Leathernecks’ Christmas Toy Drive is still up and running. For nearly 25 years, this organization of former U.S. Marines has brought smiles to children on Christmas morning by working with various groups to get toys to needy children throughout Greene County.The Tri-County Leathernecks has distributed toys under the banner of the Marine Corps Foundation’s Toys for Tots program, but the toy distribution now operates more efficiently under local control.The Leathernecks consist mostly of veterans who served in the Marines, but their numbers are down to the bare-bones minimum. It would be a shame if they could no longer provide toys because of dwindling membership.And speaking of offering a helping hand, the Salvation Army is always in need of volunteers to help with the organization’s holiday kettle drive. This season is about a lot of things: Parades, light-up-night events and shopping.Let’s not forget the churches that open their doors and offer an unconditional welcome. And especially, let’s not forget those who do for others without expecting anything in return.