At 7 a.m. Christmas Eve morning, the Corbin Vocational School’s garage was filled with more than 270 food baskets that were to be delivered to needy families in the area.
By 8:30 a.m., volunteers and members of the Corbin Lions Club had moved all but around 30 of them.
“They’ve been going out real smooth this year,” Lions Club President Mike Pawula said.
For the 49th year, the Corbin Lions Club held its Christmas Food Basket Event. Thursday morning, volunteers and club members gathered in the garage area of the Corbin Vocational School to load the baskets and deliver them to needy families.
Pawula said donations from local businesses and citizens go toward funding the food baskets. Auto shop students at the vocational school even help put the baskets together, filling them with items such as ham, turkey, milk, bread, vegetables and toothpaste. There are also books and toys for the children. The baskets are delivered to families in Corbin, Gray, Rockholds and Lily.
For the past 20 years, Pawula has taken part in the Lions Club Food Baskets program and said it is an irreplaceable tradition and experience.
“It’s not Christmas unless I do this,” he said. “There’s a good feeling in giving. When you give to somebody who really needs it, it just fills your heart.”
The need in the area, Pawula said, is greater this year. Last year, the Lions Club delivered around 185 baskets. This year, they were able to give out about 90 more.
Despite a downturn in the economy, Lions Club Vice President and Food Basket Chairman Lee Campbell said the club actually received more donations this year. Campbell said he was extremely appreciative of the volunteers and donors.
“I just appreciate everybody’s help,” he said. “We couldn’t do it without their help every year...The community has really gotten behind us.”
Although he is only in his third year as a Lions Club member, Campbell said he has taken part in the food basket program since he was 17, when he and his father would deliver baskets to area homes.
“To me, this is great,” he said.
Campbell recalled his first year of delivering. Then a high school football player, Campbell said he and his father entered a home to deliver food to a family and toys for their children. Campbell said the children began crying because they would actually have something that Christmas. That moment brought out Campbell’s emotions as well.
“So I sat right there and cried with them,” he said.
Like Pawula, Campbell has made the Lions Club Food Basket program a holiday tradition, one he says he wouldn’t trade for anything.
“It’s a very moving experience,” Campbell said. “It’s a big part of my Christmas and I really enjoy it.”
Local News
Lions Club distributes 270 food baskets
- Local News
-
-
Barbourville’s done. What’s next, Corbin?
With Barbourville saying “No” to alcohol sales by the drink and by the package Tuesday night, the attention now turns to Corbin’s vote just six days away — Tuesday, Feb. 14.
-
Whitley man missing since Monday
First responders and neighborhood volunteers will continue their search Wednesday at 11 a.m. for a Whitley County man who’s been missing for two days.
-
Former sheriff Hodge appears in Whitley County Circuit Court
Former Whitley County sheriff Lawrence Hodge appeared in Whitley Circuit Court Monday, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble.
-
Search underway for man in Whitley County - Online Exclusive
A ground search is currently underway in the Bee Creek area of Whitley County for a 63-year-old man who has been missing since yesterday, according to Woodbine Fire Department Chief Rick Fore.
Richard "Dick" Martin hasn't been seen since he left his house about 11:30 a.m. Monday. He was riding a red Honda ATV. -
Alcohol election underway in Barbourville
Just before noon today (Tuesday) about 500 Barbourville residents had voted in the local option election that will decide if alcohol can be sold in the city.
-
W’burg jewelry thieves arrested
Williamsburg men connected to at least 10 burglaries have been arrested, according to Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell.
-
New temporary tag now on motorcycle market
A new temporary license tag for motorcycles was presented Monday to the owners of London’s Wildcat Harley-Davidson by Laurel County Clerk Dean Johnson.
-
Police search for stolen state truck
Police continued their search Monday night for a Kentucky Department of Transportation truck after the 2005 model white Chevy S-10 Blazer was stolen from the parking lot Sunday night near the Knox County Ambulance Service (EMS Station 2) office in East Corbin.
-
Animal ordinance to be discussed in London
In a meeting that lasted about an hour, the London City Council decided to have the animal ordinance it has been discussing for several months ready to be seriously considered at the March meeting.
-
B’ville alcohol vote is Tuesday
The first local option election in the Tri-County area will be held Tuesday at Barbourville’s Kentucky National Guard armory on Manchester Street.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Barbourville’s done. What’s next, Corbin?
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
