Preparations are underway for the annual Christmas in April. Directors are seeking applications for the event’s 28th year.
Christmas in April is a nationwide movement that was started in Midland, Texas, in 1972. Since its inception in Grenada in 1994, $639,761 has been invested in improvements to more than 275 homes in the community.
This year’s day for renovations is set for April 23, where low-income homeowners, particularly those that are elderly and disabled, will get a warm, safe and dry home with needed improvements. The number of low-income homeowners is increasing each year. Many homeowners are placed in a position of choosing between vital necessities such as food and medicine, or a roof that does not leak. Christmas in April works to ensure that as many of those families as possible will not have to make those difficult decisions.
“In years past, we would average 10 to 15 homes a year, “We know that with COVID-19, we may not have that many, but our goal is 10. That would be great!” Will Goff Christmas in April chairman said.
In order to be eligible, applicants must own their own home. With applications already coming in, spots are limited, according to Goff.
“We are considering every application that is brought to us,” he said. A board of directors representing churches, businesses and civic clubs throughout the City of Grenada chooses the clients that receive help.
“We need three pieces to make this puzzle fit,” Goff Said. “We need applications, volunteers and donations. Without any of these, we can’t accomplish what we are here to do.”
Applications are available by calling Kim McRee at (662) 417-6210, or Will Goff at (662) 809-8440. The deadline for applications is March 10.
“We want to make sure we have plenty of time to go through every application,” Goff concluded. “We always need supplies if you are one that can not help. Our main and much-needed supplies that you could donate are paint supplies, plywood, plumbing supplies and linoleum flooring.”
Members of the Christmas in April Board of Directors include, Melvin Montgomery, Jean Carpenter, Mike Liddell, Jimmy Willis, Dale Lee, Mike Nabors, Dwayne Westmoreland, Kim McRee and Will Goff.
