Just Givin’ a Little Back

It’s almost here… Christmas in East Tennessee. We wake up on a crisp December morning with the thermostat set on a comfortable 68 degrees. We hear the sounds of laughter as the children gather around the Christmas tree anxious to open the presents nestled beneath it. They are so excited about the new toys, clothes, and the latest electronic gadgets. We look forward to gathering with family and friends for Christmas dinner, after which we will fall asleep on the couch because we have eaten too much. Could anything be greater than Christmas in Seymour, Tennessee?
Imagine with me a different situation…. It’s December 25th, you dread getting out of bed on this cold winter morning. The heater went out last week and you do not have the money to get it fixed. You were unable to buy any gifts this year because every penny had to be used to make sure your family does not get evicted from your home. You didn’t have the heart to put up a tree this year, since there were no presents to put under it. Maybe you will be able to buy the kids some new shoes when the “after Christmas” sales start. Hopefully the electricity will not get turned off today and the family can have a can of soup with their sandwiches for lunch today…
This is the unfortunate situation for several families in the Seymour area. The Seymour High School Band along with the Seymour High School football team would like to make a difference for some of these families by “Just Giving a Little Back.” Through the power of people coming together and “just giving a little back,” we can provide families with food, clothing, help with bills, and even Christmas trees. The simple method of “Just Giving a Little Back” is for all of us who feel we have been blessed here in the Seymour area to give back whatever we feel compelled to give back, no matter how small or how large, to help others in the Seymour area who are going through a tough time. Through the power of many, we can significantly change lives.
Last year, with a late start, the Seymour High School Band raised just over $1500 and was able to help four local families in need during the Holiday Season. This year the Seymour High School Football team has joined forces with the band to “Just give a little back” to the community that supports both organizations all year long. Organizers Tom Fitzharris and John Staser are hoping to raise at least $5000 this year. Fitzharris said, “We try to budget around $500 per family (give or take) depending on their specific needs.”
    According to Fitzharris, “One of our biggest challenges is finding the families that need help. If you know of a family that could use our help, you can contact us on Facebook at “Just Givin’ a Little Back”, or you can send a letter to Seymour High School attn: Seymour Band. You can also call Fitzharris direct at (865) 919-6507.
    If you would like to support “Just Givin’ a Little Back,” you can send a check made out to Seymour Band Boosters c/o “Just Givin’ a Little Back” to 732 Boyds Creek Hwy. Seymour, TN 37865 attn Band Director. All donations are tax deductible. 100% of the contributions will be used in the Seymour area.
    Connie’s Kitchen is an official sponsor and drop site. Any donations (food, clothes, monetary donations etc.) can be dropped at Connie’s Kitchen. Connie’s Kitchen will be hosting a “Breakfast for Dinner” meal on November 14 from 4p.m. – 8p.m. All proceeds will go to “Just Givin’ a Little Back.”  Connie’s Kitchen is located at 10231 Chapman Hwy. Seymour, TN 37865 phone (865) 577-1992
For more information please contact:Tom Fitzharris: phone: (865) 919-6507 email: ltfitz5@att.net John Staser: phone: (865) 742-0394 email: john.staser@yahoo.com