Georgetown, Del., Dec. 4, 2006: Sussex Countians kicked off the holidays with an abundance of the “giving spirit” Monday evening, donating an estimated 27,000 canned goods and other non-perishable food items for the annual Carolling on The Circle event in downtown Georgetown.

Several hundred people braved freezing temperatures to sing Spanish and traditional Christmas carols, all the while helping the needy with donations of canned goods. Donations taken at Carolling, along with collections from Sussex County Council, County employees and numerous schools, groups and businesses, helped push the 23 annual event to one of its best showings in recent memory. rd

This year’s tally is up from at least the last two years. More than 21,000 food items were collected in 2005, and 22,000 were collected in 2004.

“We’re tremendously pleased with the outpouring of support from the community,” said County Administrator David B. Baker. “Their good will and generosity will help to feed the neediest among us. For them, these contributions are more than just an offering of food – they’re an offering of hope.”

Mr. Baker extended his thanks to the participating groups, including County Council, County employees, the Sussex County Manufactured Home Owners Association, First State Manufactured Housing Association, the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Association in partnership with Harley Davidson of Rehoboth Beach, the Fuqua & Yori law firm, Beacon Middle School, Georgetown Elementary School, H.O. Brittingham School, North Georgetown Elementary School and Sussex Central Middle School.

Items collected will be donated to a dozen area pantries, shelters and church organizations for distribution within Sussex County.