Many ways to give in Groton

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “fill in the blank” has been canceled. That is a phrase that is becoming all too familiar for all of us these days, and this week it delivered a boatload of disappointment for many in the Groton Jr./Sr. High School.

The Drama Club had been preparing for a Dickens drive-through theater for the community, the Art Club had been painting stunning backdrops to be used for it, and yours truly, was poised to bring you all the details. Then, that prior-mentioned phrase came into play for all of us.

Instead, I bring you some ways we can all bring joy to others in the spirit of giving.

In my Nov. 25 column, I wrote about the Reverse Advent Calendar project, coordinated by Jessamine Stone and the volunteers at the Groton Food Pantry (GFP), wherein an individual, family or other group partners with the GFP to add food items to a box for a family in need.

The response has been so positive since that article that Stone has almost met the goal of 100 boxes, but in the meantime, at least 50 more families have been identified who need this extra help during the holiday season.

Nathan and Jessica Strange and their four children filled four boxes last year and had such a wonderful experience that they are doing six this year.

“We started the reverse calendar last year because it seemed like a fun, simple way to give back and get everyone in the family involved,” Jessica said. “I would buy things ahead of time, and then the kids would find that day’s item. We put all the goodies in laundry baskets and dropped them off. The kids loved it! And it allowed them a sense of being able to give back, even if we don’t have a whole lot to give.”

Adelin, age 7, said, “I really liked doing it because we got to deliver cool stuff to people who needed it.”

Tracer, who is 8, said, “It was really fun because I love donating things to people. It was kind of like a game, like a scavenger hunt!”

“I enjoyed doing it last year because we got to help out many people who can’t necessarily get the things they need, and we’re doing more this year because ‘the more the merrier’!” 11-year-old Brooklan said.

“My youngest, Ryker, was only 4 and doesn’t remember doing it,” Jessica said. “But he is really enjoying it this year.”

“The best part about the reverse advent calendar is seeing our kids feel good about helping others,” Nathan said. “As a parent, this is the best Christmas gift we could both teach and receive at the same time.”

While the calendar began Nov. 27 and ends Thursday, Dec. 17, it is not too late for anyone to catch up. To be involved, contact Stone at (607) 592-4825 or at grotonfoodproviders18@outlook.com. Monetary or food donations are always welcome at any time, especially now.

The Groton Public Library has a need that might appeal to some. Its director, Sara Knobel, has a team of volunteers who knit and crochet hats, scarves or mittens for the library to give away to Groton community members, but they need donations of yarn.

Knobel will also gladly receive these items already made, or you may volunteer to make them with yarn from the library. All sizes are needed, infant through adult.

Yarn may be brought to the library between 1 and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday by calling (607) 898-5055 when you are outside, and someone will come to get it from you. Call or email director@grotonpubliclibrary.org for more information or to volunteer to knit.

Groton Elementary School, 516 Elm St., has a “Giving Tree” in its lobby, and anyone who would like to purchase Christmas gifts for children may stop by to get a gift tag from the tree.

The “Resident Angel Tree” in the lobby of the Groton Health Care Center, 120 Sykes St., is another option if you are interested in purchasing a Christmas gift for one of the residents there.

Contact Shari at (607) 898-5876, who will set up a time to hand you an angel at the front door. All angels and gifts must be returned by Monday, Dec. 14.

Another way to spread cheer is to send Christmas cards. There are 80 residents there, and while you may not have the time or the means to write 80 cards yourself, this could be another meaningful way for your family or other group to do something. Contact Jennifer Wills, director of social work, at JWills@grotonhealth.org to make arrangements.

The Center’s president and CEO, Patrick (Pat) Deptula, would love to have the facility flooded with cards.

“Getting a card at Christmas time is very uplifting and means so much to the folks here,” Deptula said. “Even if they can’t read them, someone reads it to them. Getting a card means more to them than people realize.”

Deptula just started his position about seven weeks ago. Come back next week to read his story and vision for the Center.

Groton on the Inside appears weekly. Submit news ideas to Linda Competillo, lmc10@cornell.edu or 607-227-4922.

In brief:

Santa’s coming to Groton

While the annual tree lighting and visit from Santa Claus on Main Street were not possible this year, Santa called Fire Chief Ben Nelson and was able to schedule a visit to Groton this year after all. He requested a parade on his sleigh on Saturday, Dec. 19 at noon.

Since Santa is visiting so much later than he usually does, he needs to leave his reindeer at the North Pole to keep them rested for Christmas Eve. In their true selfless hero way, the Groton firefighters will pull Santa’s sleigh through the village of Groton instead.

Santa wants everyone to know that he won’t have time to get off his sleigh, but he looks forward to seeing everyone then and encourages all children to get their letters to him right away.

Ridge Runners spaghetti supper

The Ridge Runners of Groton Snowmobile Club will hold a spaghetti supper, take-out only, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at its clubhouse, 748 Salt Rd., 1 mile north of Route 90.

Meals include spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread and butter, and a beverage. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and $8 for children.

Pre-orders are recommended and appreciated by texting or calling (607) 345-4270, but you may also come into the clubhouse to place an order.

A note from GFP coordinator

The Groton Food Pantry coordinator, Jess Stone, would like to acknowledge the following teen volunteers who diligently help and sincerely apologizes for neglecting to include them in the Nov. 25 column: Cameron Brehm, Makayla, Sharla and Madison Lockwood, Anthony Moore and Riley Williams.