The motto of the Columbia Lions Club is "We Serve," and the group will put that mission into practice with the annual Christmas Food Box Delivery. Working with members of the Sunsnappers, the club will deliver items to people in need in the greater Columbia area on Sunday, Dec. 22.

"The food box project exists in town to help families that may be in need," explained Josh Birk, Lions Club member, encouraging anyone in need to sign up for a box. "There is no judgment or anything. The project is there to support the people in town. It's also a very hearty meal."

Each family that registers will receive all the fixings for a traditional Christmas dinner as well as additional food items, including turkey, mashed potatoes, butter, milk, eggs, cereal, fruit and vegetables. The project is supported by donations from local businesses and individuals.

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

The food box project began with the Columbia Jaycees in 1982. From one box that inaugural year, the project has expanded to provide food for 600 families.

The initiative is truly a community effort, Birk said. "Not only does the project feed 600 families in town, but it also brings the community together," he remarked. "So many families in town line up to deliver boxes to the people in need. It is truly a community project."

Community volunteers are invited to help deliver the boxes on Dec. 22. Volunteers should arrive at the Columbia Borough Fire Hall, 726 Manor St., Columbia, no later than 11 a.m.

Volunteers will also deliver a Christmas dinner on Sunday, Dec. 29, to residents of local senior apartments in lieu of a food box. Dinners will be delivered to residents of Trinity House Apartments, St. Peters Apartments, Marietta Senior Apartments, Sylvan Retreat Apartments and Landisville Apartments. Sign-up sheets will be available in the apartment complex lobbies by the end of November.

Families may register for the food boxes by visiting https://columbialions.org/christmas, emailing ColumbiaChristmasFoodBoxes@gmail.com or calling 717-715-3592. The registration deadline is Saturday, Nov. 30, or when the project reaches 600 families, so early registration is encouraged.

For businesses or individuals interested in donating to help support the Christmas food boxes, donations are accepted online at the aforementioned website. More information on making a donation by mail is available at the website, as well.