FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Troup, WH groups lend helping hands at holidays
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

Santa poses for a picture while Troup Banking Center's Bill Lacy helps sort donated toys and canned goods that will be distributed by Troup Cares.

Who is behind the scenes of Troup Cares and Project Joy? There is no list and if there were, it would be too long to publish here. Recognition is not what these groups are all about. They are about coming together as a community to bring a smile to child's face and food to the table for many in the Troup and Whitehouse area that otherwise would go without during this holiday season.

Both groups join forces with schools, churches, businesses and the community to collect food, toys and money to provide for their friends and neighbors in need.

This week in Troup Santa was on hand to visit with boys and girls as they brought in toys, food and monetary gifts to help out. Bill Lacy of the Troup Banking Center said that about 100 toys came in, tons of food and several monetary gifts.

Ray Baldwin who coordinates things with Project Joy said there are several events still underway in Whitehouse. Several student organizations have done a bit of fundraising on their own and have shopping trips planned as they play Santa's helpers and fill his bag with great toys and gifts for kids in need in the Whitehouse area.

Photos/Suzanne Loudamy The young and the young-at-heart turned out to greet Santa Friday during Troup Banking Center's annual toy drive. According to branch manager Bill Lacy, about 100 toys were collected, as well as tons of canned food and some monetary gifts. Refreshments were served and everyone had a chance to have a pictured taken with Santa, including Lewis and Carol Figueras (left).

Troup Cares not only provides gifts and food, but also, where there is an identifiable need, provides clothing, including coats and shoes as well as infant car seats. To prevent any duplication, the organization coordinates with PATH (People Attempting to Help) of Tyler.

Project Joy in Whitehouse originally provided assistance to both Troup and Whitehouse and deliveries were made to the Troup area families by the Troup Volunteer Fire Department. When it became too large, Troup Cares took over the Troup portion from Project Joy.

That was in 1992. In those years, some 750 Troup families have received assistance. Whitehouse's numbers are well above 1500.

Project Joy is an extension of Philadelphia Blessing in Whitehouse. This food pantry helps 100's of families each and every month of the year. Philadelphia Blessing sprang from a ministry started by the Tyler Metro Church.

Volunteers from all walks of life come together and sort and distribute the food and gifts as Christmas draws near.

To make this a record-breaking year, Troup Cares and Project Joy need everyone to contribute what they can, where they can. Whether it's at Brookshire's, buying canned food items and placing them in the Spirit of Christmas area, by school children participating in class canned food drives on their campuses or by contributing monetarily, everyone can help.

For more information on how you can help with Project Joy contact Ray Baldwin at 903- 352-0039 and with Troup Cares contact Mike Cline 903-842- 3320.