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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The Chilton County Relay For Life Queens are looking to spread Christmas cheer to those who will not be able to celebrate in their usual way this year.

Collection has begun for care packages for cancer patients at the American Cancer Society Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham. The lodge offers cancer patients a place to stay while they receive treatments.

Items being accepted for the care packages include activity books for adults, magazines, winter hats and gloves, lap blankets, water bottles, mints, ginger candy, chewing gum, neck pillows, journals, notecards, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, high-quality lotion specifically for dry hands (unscented), etc.

The deadline to donate is Dec. 13. Drop off locations include Hamilton Mortgage-Clanton and Reynolds TimberCompany in Maplesville.

“My mom and dad both stayed in the Hope Lodge,” Jeannie Smith, cancer survivor and Miss Relay Emilee Smith’s mom, said in a social media post about the care package drive. “Daddy was there for six weeks. Many of these patients are away from friends and family and may not have transportation outside of getting to their treatment. Imagine being there during the holiday season. Something as simple as a cancer care package could make all the difference to patients’ outlooks and bring a smile while providing items to help with their cancer journey.”

For some, cancer treatment is more than an hour away and requires the patient to be there multiple times a week.

The Hope Lodge can have 33 patients staying there at one time decreasing the stress of traveling back and forth.