Georgetown, Del., Nov. 1, 2011: Sussex County is hoping to spark the public’s giving spirit a bit early to help the less fortunate this holiday season, even if the leaves are still clinging to the trees and a few pieces of Halloween candy remain uneaten.

County government recently kicked off its annual food drive, more than six weeks ahead of the 28th annual Caroling on The Circle event, which is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, in downtown Georgetown. The down economy and a growing need this year have prompted organizers to begin the 2011 food drive much sooner than in years past.

Each year, the community singing event doubles as a food drive for hungry families in Sussex County, drawing hundreds of residents – along with the support of area schools, businesses and civic organizations – who turn out to sing Christmas carols and collect canned goods for area pantries, churches and food banks.

In 2010, Caroling collected more than 20,000 items for nine organizations. Sussex County organizers are aiming to collect even more items this year, and are encouraging the public to do their part now to “Pack the POD” – a 14-foot by 7-foot portable storage shed now set up at The Circle – with canned goods and other food items for the area’s less fortunate.

County Administrator-appointee Todd F. Lawson said Caroling on The Circle does more than just put a holiday song in the heart. It puts food on the table and gives hope to thousands of people right here in Sussex County.

“The need in our community is probably the greatest it has been than at any other time in recent memory, so that makes Caroling on The Circle that much more important this season,” Mr. Lawson said.

Indeed it is. The Food Bank of Delaware’s Hunger in America Study of 2010 found that 241,600 Delawareans received assistance at some point through that program alone. Just four years before, the number had been approximately 90,000 – a nearly 60 percent increase from 2006 to 2010.

In Sussex County, the Food Bank estimates that 12.1 percent of the population, or 22,430 people, in 2010 were ‘food insecure’, meaning they had a limited supply or uncertain availability of nutritional and adequate food, said Kim Kostes, community relations manager.

“The holidays can be a stressful time for all of us. But for families without enough food, there’s no greater worry than wondering where the next meal is coming from,” said County Council President Michael H. Vincent. “We want to do our part with Caroling on The Circle and the food drive to help make the season a little brighter for those less fortunate.”

As always, the historic Sussex County Courthouse and picturesque Circle will serve as the stage for an evening of traditional and Spanish carols, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.

Local singing artists Ed Shockley, Kevin Short and The Reminders will lead the event. Joining them to perform will be the Georgetown Middle School choir and the El Centro Cultural group.

Following the festivities, free cookies and hot chocolate will be available for all to enjoy at the Georgetown Fire Company, one block south of The Circle. The event is free to attend. Participants only have to bring non-perishable food items for donation.

Food items will be collected that night, but donations can be dropped off now until the end of December, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the County Administrative Offices building, next to the courthouse, in Georgetown. Donations also can be made at the County Administrative Offices West Complex, U.S. 113, in Georgetown.

Caroling on The Circle will be held regardless of weather. In the event of rain or snow, it will be moved inside the fire hall on South Bedford Street. For more information, call (302) 855-7700.

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