Christmas should be a season of joy, but some people could use a little extra love during the holidays. That's where the Christmas Food Box Delivery program comes in. Organized by the Columbia Lions Club and the Sunsnappers, the initiative delivers boxes of food to people who need them in the greater Columbia area.

The delivery will take place on Sunday, Dec. 17. 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. 1, or when the project reaches 600 families, so early registration is encouraged.

Each family will receive all the fixings for a traditional Christmas dinner, said John Meshey, who is helping to organize the event. "They'll get a turkey, mashed potatoes, filling and canned goods," he said, adding that each box will also include pantry staples such as eggs, milk, butter and cereal.

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.

Meshey noted that the project began with the Columbia Jaycees in 1982. "That first year, we did just one box," he recalled. "We all brought something in for somebody who needed a food box."

Over the years, the distribution has grown significantly, and the organizers rely on community members to help with delivery of the boxes. More information on delivery time and location will be available closer to the December date.

Meshey explained that the club members solicit local businesses and individuals for donations to cover the cost of the food boxes, along with contributing Lions Club money collected throughout the year.

Volunteers will also deliver a Christmas dinner on Sunday, 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, the 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.

"As a club, we want to help our community out," Meshey said. "It's about the joy you see from the people you deliver to. They are so grateful. It puts a smile on your face, knowing you are helping somebody out who's in need, and people are thankful for what they're getting. So many people look forward to it every year."

He encourages anyone with a need to sign up for a box. "It gives you the opportunity to have a traditional Christmas dinner, and if you're in need of help, it's OK to ask for it," he said. "There's no need to be ashamed. We understand that people run into hardships, and if we can help, we want to."