Quitman Christmas Sharing Plus (QCSP) is gearing up for the holiday season, as it has each fall since it was formed in 1980.

The all-volunteer board met to begin planning on Sept. 19 and will meet again Oct. 17 at 5 p.m. at the warehouse at Cliff St. and West Side Dr.

Volunteers are needed to help in several areas. 

In 2022 QCSP distributed 305 boxes of food, assisted 454 adults and distributed Christmas presents to 212 children ages 0-14.

QCSP also operates its food pantry year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The organization receives various support from throughout the community, from canned food drives by school students to angel trees placed in several businesses and monthly donations from church congregations.

One of the biggest events that benefits QCSP is the fish fry put on by the Flora Masonic Lodge.

It is held on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 9 this year, which is also the holiday distribution day for the program.

A garage sale is also held each spring that helps fund the program.

Letters have been distributed through Quitman schools to reach families who want to participate in the program. Outreach is also made to nursing and assisted living homes.