Georgetown, Del., Nov. 8, 2010: With a song on their hearts, hundreds of Sussex Countians will carol for a cause this holiday season to put food on the table for the less fortunate in our community.

Sussex County Council next month will host the 27th annual Caroling on The Circle, to be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, in downtown Georgetown. Each year, the community singing event doubles as a food drive for the hungry and needy of Sussex County, drawing hundreds of residents – along with the support of area schools, businesses and civic organizations – who join to sing Christmas carols and collect canned goods for area pantries, churches and food banks.

In 2009, Caroling collected more than 23,000 items for nearly a dozen organizations. Sussex County is aiming to collect as many, if not more, items for the 2010 holiday season.

County Administrator David B. Baker said so many people look forward to Caroling on The Circle each year because it literally represents an entire community coming together for one cause.

“Caroling on The Circle brings out the best in our community. It’s neighbor helping neighbor and friends and strangers coming together to share in the holiday season,” Mr. Baker said. “If the down economy the past couple of years has shown us anything, it’s that now more than ever we need opportunities like this to join together, to share our joys and to do something positive for others who are in need.”

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 and Kevin Short will lead a special performance of The Reminders. Joining them to perform will be the Sussex Central 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 are asked simply to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items for donation. Beginning Monday, Nov. 8, anyone who cannot attend this year’s Caroling event but who still wishes to contribute can drop off food items 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.

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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