Snow shrinks annual caroling event in size, but not spirit

Wintry weather conditions forced the annual Sussex County caroling event inside the Georgetown Fire Hall, but the sounds of the season rang out with the same vigor as ever.

 

Traditionally, the Caroling on the Circle event draws hundreds to Georgetown to celebrate with the singing of Christmas carols in both English and Spanish.  For last night’s 30th year of the event, a cold rain and the potential for slippery conditions in town forced the celebration to move indoors.

More than 300 showed up to listen and sing along, and also to help donate food for the needy.  Preliminary numbers show that 20,000 food items were collected during the caroling event and through donations from Sussex County employees, schools and other groups.

“The final number could and hopefully will go higher,” said Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson.  “We’re counting on Sussex Countians to keep giving.  We’re not at the finish line yet.”  The collection effort will continue at the county’s administrative offices through the end of December.

Last year, 33,000 items were collected.  Since the food drive started alongside the caroling in 1984, county residents have donated more than 620,000 canned goods and other food items.