Annual Clinton tree lighting brings joy, funds
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Gwen Coles, state district coordinator, auctioned off quilts for the veteran-honoring nonprofit Quilts of Valor at the Dec. 5 city of Clinton Tree Lighting event. She sold all 27 of them and raised $4,000. - Ben Pounds
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Santa Claus joins Clinton Mayor Scott Burton. - Ben Pounds
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The family of Alisha Blankinship, Annyston Blankinship and Josh Blankinship won trophies for both their chili and peanut butter fudge on Dec. 5, raising funds for the city of Clinton’s Empty Stocking Fund from the customers who tasted it. - Ben Pounds
The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and event returned to the Clinton Community Center this year, while also raising money for two local causes.
A chili cook-off and bake-off held Friday, Dec. 5, raised more than $200 for the Empty Stocking Fund. City Special Events Coordinator Taylor Cullison said the fund helps city employees’ families during difficult times.
“We have used this fund in the past to send flowers or a meal to families who have lost a loved one, or to provide gas cards for families traveling to and from the hospital when someone is ill,” Cullison said. “It also helps parents around the holidays to make sure their children have a good Christmas.”
In the gymnasium, members of Quilts of Valor displayed quilts for a silent auction benefiting local veterans. All 27 quilts sold, raising $4,000.