The Council of Churches of the Ozarks Crosslines Food Pantry is accepting applications for Christmas assistance now through November 20, 2020. Thanksgiving applications have closed with more than 930 families requesting assistance – families pick up Thanksgiving food baskets Saturday, November 19th at the Ozark Empire Fair.

Crosslines is ready for the Thanksgiving distribution; however, collection of food and toys for Christmas is lower than usual. Tom Faulkner, Director of Crosslines, explains the reasons for the decline, “with COVID many locations who were collecting sites for food and toys are either closed from public access or are experiencing less foot traffic as shoppers move online. We’ve made it easier for online shoppers to continue to give by setting up an online donation site and Amazon and Walmart wish lists.”

Holiday help is available to food insecure residents of Greene County through Crosslines, though additional criteria apply to adult-only households.

Individuals and families seeking assistance can find the application and specific requirements at www.ccozarks.org/holiday.

Applications for Christmas assistance will be accepted through November 20th.

If families do not have online access or require assistance, please call 417-869-0563 Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 2-5p.

Christmas food baskets and Christmas toys will be distributed on December 19th at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, with multiple precautions being taken to ensure the safety of volunteers and guests.

The CEO of The Council of Churches of the Ozarks, Jaimie Trussell shares, “COVID has changed everything about how we serve the community but not what we serve the community.

Crosslines has worked hard to ensure we are able to continue to offer the fixings for a full Thanksgiving meal for families facing the realities of a very difficult year. We know God is good and He will continue to send the support needed to serve these families at Christmas. We appreciate all who have and will step up to help our vulnerable neighbors.“

Tom Faulkner expands, “We are confident we have done everything we can to make this a smooth season to both be a blessing as a volunteer and receive a blessing as a family in need. The only thing we aren’t able to control, is how many people will step up to help. It’s going to take a lot to ensure we have enough toys and product ready to go for our first “Covid Christmas”.

To volunteer or donate to assist families in Greene County, visit www.crosslinesholiday.org or call 417-865-5810.