For 40 years, food boxes have been distributed to residents in need in the Columbia area, and the tradition will continue this year. Organized by the Columbia Lions Club and Sunsnappers, the Christmas Food Box Delivery will take place on Sunday, Dec. 18. Families may register online by visiting http://www.columbialions.org/christmas, emailing ColumbiaChristmasFoodBoxes@gmail.com or calling 717-715-3592. The registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 2, or when the project reaches 600 families, so early registration is encouraged.

"This project started in 1982 with one box, and it evolved from that," said Lions member John Meshey. "It's about fulfilling a need in our community."

It takes hundreds of volunteers to make the project possible, Meshey stated. The boxes will include essential holiday dinner items as well as additional groceries - a turkey, bread, milk, canned vegetables, cereals and more. The community is invited to help deliver the boxes on Dec. 18. Volunteer drivers should arrive at the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 726 Manor St., at 11 a.m., where they will be directed to line up for a touchless delivery system.

"We deliver to the people who need it, which makes us unique," Meshey said.

Families in the Columbia and surrounding areas with ZIP codes 17512, 17547, 17368, 17554, 17582, 17575, and 17538 are eligible to receive a food box.

Additionally, the group will deliver a Christmas dinner on Saturday, Dec. 31, to residents of local senior apartments in lieu of a food box. These meals are prepared by Foresters of America and delivered by the Columbia Lions Club, Sunsnappers and other community volunteers. Christmas dinners will be delivered to residents of apartments including Trinity House Apartments, St. Peters Apartments, Our Home of Hope, Marietta Senior Apartments, Brereton Manor, Sylvan Retreat Apartments, Faith Friendship Villa and Hershey Mill Home.

Funding for the food boxes comes from local businesses, organizations and individuals, who are encouraged to donate to the effort by contacting a Lions Club member. "This community has always been really generous in supporting us," Meshey said, noting that both the Lions Club and Sunsnappers hold events throughout the year to raise funds for the project.

He added that the boxes are for anyone who needs help, and he encouraged people to sign up. "If you need help, it's available," Meshey noted. "We are here to help."

For more information on the project, search for "Columbia Christmas Food Boxes" on Facebook.