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By Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith/ Community Columnist

So many people are blessed with more than what they need. Before Thanksgiving many stockings were already hung, and while driving down any Chilton County road, a passerby can see that Christmas trees already adorning the fronts of homes. Many in the local community have a wonderful advantage of not needing or wanting anything during the holidays because it has already been provided.  Recently, Laurin Tillery, age 21, of Jemison and her family had a large donation of family furniture and items given to them, and they want to use the opportunity to give back to people in Chilton County and surrounding areas.

“We initially thought about taking the items to a donation box but felt God speak to us that people in the community need them and would benefit from having these things,” Laurin Tillery said. “It is Christmas time, and people are beginning to Christmas shop, trying to get their homes ready for the holidays.”

All of the furniture and items will be given away for free to those in need with the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas in mind.

“Everyone is welcome,” Tillery said. “We are not trying to get anything from you. We just want to help for the holidays.”

The Tillerys are also accepting donations of furniture and personal items from people in the community for the event and will pick the items up. Items must not be broken.

“So far, we have several baby cribs, new toys, new clothes that range from size newborn to 3x, men’s clothes, car seat and stroller sets, swings, and bouncy seats,” Tillery said. “We will be accepting more donations from the community from now until Dec. 10. We want to give these things away so that God can use it to bless people at Christmas time.”

Tillery and her family will host the “Thankful Giveaway,” Saturday, Dec. 11 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (or until everything is gone) at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church #1, 4270 County Road 50, Jemison, Alabama 35085. Hot chocolate will be available for a monetary donation. Any monetary donation received will be given to the church.

For more information or to arrange a donation pick-up, call 205-688-7464. Donations may also be dropped off at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church #1 on Friday, Dec. 10 from 5:30-7 p.m.