Mineola Caring and Sharing is in full swing as they’re counting down to distribution day on Dec. 14.

During the Christmas holidays, they provide assistance to needy families with the focus on the senior citizens and the children of the community. Packages include food, gifts and Christmas stockings.

Mineola Caring and Sharing nonprofit organization began in 1984 as the brain child of the local ministerial alliance and civic organizations. When they first started all those years ago with only a $900 budget, they never imagined the growth they would see. 

Last year, according to project chairman George Assaf, they served around 300 families. With the average family of three or four people, that’s about 1,000 individuals served. They have served as many as 400 families in the past and are projecting 320 families this year.

The people they provide for and the needs they service would not be possible without their amazing volunteers and a giving community. 

Caring and Sharing has two of its largest fundraisers coming up this month and in November. Starting Saturday, Oct. 26 and continuing for five Saturdays, and the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving, volunteers will be selling raffle tickets at Brookshires. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Three winners will receive $200 gift certificates donated by Brookshires.

KMOO radio will have its annual auction Nov. 2.