Since 1997, folks in Carroll County have made sure to take care of their friends and neighbors in need for the holidays.

The Carroll Christmas Fund, dedicated to helping those less fortunate have a happy Christmas, brings people from the community together in an effort to give in the season of giving.

From its start, delivering 64 food boxes in 1997, to last year when 425 food boxes were delivered to families and toys, food and Bibles were given to 460 children, the Fund has found a way to make sure the season is joyful.

Dennis Ward, one of the Fund’s organizers, said the Fund has been established for so long, most people already know their roles and jump right in when the time comes.

“We sent out a letter last week to regulars, all the fire departments, rescue squads and all of that,” Ward said. “There’s no use for everybody to get together because most everybody does the same thing every year.”

Ward said the entire county gets involved year after year.

“The thing that is so exciting is the entire county gets involved and works together,” Ward said. “You’ve got the fire department in Cana, the fire department in Hillsville, the fire department in Laurel Fork, Carroll Search & Rescue; everybody gels and comes together to make this happen.”

Area schools collect canned goods, which are picked up by the Masons. Local residents collect bicycles for donations while First Baptist Church collects coats, which are distributed by the Carroll County Department of Social Services.

With money donated, certain staple items, such as hams, flour, meal, peanut butter and more are purchased, but this year, some of those items are taken care of. A local bank has already purchased enough flour, and Carroll County High School’s Interact Club is buying peanut butter.

“Those are staples we’re not going to have to buy this year that they’ve already bought,” Ward said.

First United Methodist Church is setting up nativity scenes in its fellowship hall, and residents can come by to see them for a donation of a toy, food or money; Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church is splitting the proceeds from its big country breakfast between the Carroll Christmas Fund and Galax’s Community Chest. Golden Harvest Thrift Store contributes in many ways. Other area businesses, such as The Carroll News, are conducting toy donations.

On Dec. 13, a fundraiser for the Carroll Christmas Fund, featuring a BBQ chicken dinner, will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at VFW Post 1115. Live music by Exit 109, Ballard’s Branch Bogtrotters and Heritage Four will be featured and admission is $5 and a canned food item.

“It’s amazing how many ideas people come up with ways to help,” Ward said.

On Dec. 17, all the collected items and purchased food will be boxed at the VFW. Two days later, after a breakfast hosted by the VFW, volunteers will go into the community and distribute the boxes to needy families.

Ward said he expects the need to be greater than last year’s 425 boxes.

“We hope the need is less, but every year the need is more and more,” Ward said. “We did 425 last year so we’re tentatively looking at 435 to 450 this year with the economy and lack of jobs.”

But as the need grows, Ward said people in Carroll County are that much more willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

“I always say it’s unbelievable, the people of Carroll County, whenever there’s a need, how they come together and take care of that need,” Ward said. “It’s unbelievable how they do it. It makes me proud to live here.”

People interested in helping the Carroll Christmas Fund can contact Ward or DeAnn Smith at 728-9181. Donations can be brought to Dawn Auction, at 235 W. Stuart Drive in Hillsville.