GEORGETOWN, Del., Dec. 6, 2005 – Neither snow nor ‘giving fatigue’ could keep Sussex Countians from pulling off a bit of a holiday miracle during the 24th annual Caroling on The Circle event in Georgetown on Monday night.

Hundreds braved snowy, slushy roads to sing their favorite Christmas carols and lend a hand to the needy during Caroling on The Circle, which went ahead as scheduled despite an early season snowstorm.

County Administrator Robert L. Stickels announced that Sussex County collected more than 21,000 canned goods and other non-perishable food items as part of its annual food drive and singing event, keeping the county on pace with last year’s collection of about 22,000 items.

“We’re tremendously pleased,” Mr. Stickels said. Just recently, Mr. Stickels voiced concern that because of this year’s hurricanes along the Gulf Coast states, charitable giving might be down this year. But Sussex County pulled through.

The food items were collected over the last couple of weeks through the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association, the First State Manufactured Housing Association and area school children, in addition to those who crammed inside the Georgetown Fire Company hall Monday night.

The food collected will be donated to area food pantries, to be distributed to Sussex County residents and families in need.

County Administrator Stickels was thrilled with the turnout of about 300 people for Monday night’s community gathering. The snow that began falling earlier in the day forced organizers to relocate the caroling event from The Circle in downtown Georgetown to the fire hall a block away.

“I think everyone who came out had a very enjoyable evening,” Mr. Stickels said, adding that entertainers Tapestry, Lira Marquense and the St. Michael’s Catholic Church youth choir were big hits with the audience. “I’d like to thank everyone who participated for giving that little extra effort to be here and help those in need.”