Georgetown, Del., Dec. 3, 2007: A little cold and wind was no match for the warmth and generosity of hundreds of Sussex Countians who came together for a cause Monday evening, collecting more than 20,000 canned goods for the needy.

More than 400 revelers escaped the cold, blustery conditions outside for the 24th annual Caroling on the Circle – relocated to the Georgetown fire hall – to sing Spanish and traditional Christmas carols and help those in need.

The event each year kicks off the holiday season for Sussex County, and serves as a community food drive at the same time. Donations at Caroling, along with collections from Sussex County Council, County employees and numerous schools, groups and businesses, helped push the 24th annual event to another respectable total.

“Once again, Sussex Countians have come through with their generosity,” said County Administrator David B. Baker. “While we’re down a bit from 2006, these donations still will do a tremendous amount of good in the community, and they will brighten the holidays for many.”

Mr. Baker thanked those in attendance, and acknowledged participating groups. Those included County Council, County employees, the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association, First State Manufactured Housing Association, the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Association, American Portable Mini Storage, Fuqua & Yori, Megee Motors, Mountain Mudd Espresso, PATS Aircraft, Perdue Farms (Georgetown), Wal-Mart, Beacon Middle, Georgetown Elementary, H.O. Brittingham Elementary, Howard T. Ennis, Long Neck Elementary, North Georgetown Elementary and Selbyville Middle schools, and the Southern Delaware School of the Arts.

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