20 years ago…
December 22, 2005
THE GREATEST GIFT
What’s the greatest Christmas gift in the world? Perfect for any age or gender?
It was over 12 years ago when my mom and daughter joined me on a three-week journey. We crossed the country traveling through much of the northwest. Three generations of women sharing treasured moments together. It was awesome and unforgettable.
So much so we made a vow to do it again. But we haven’t kept that promise. That is, until a couple of weeks ago. The three of us once again went on a memorable journey together.
And that brings me back to the greatest Christmas gift. How many times have I never done what I said I was going to do? And why not?
I think the greatest Christmas gift in the world is -- today.
I’m going to try and give as many “todays” as I can this year. Look for present possibilities to make memorable moments with friends and loved ones. I think it may be the greatest gift I can give. And maybe the most memorable.
30 years ago…
December 21, 1995
VOLUNTEERS BEGIN ASSEMBLY OF 140 FOOD AND TOY BASKETS
Volunteers of all ages reported early Monday to help with the assembly of food and toy boxes for the needy.
Collections at several local churches, as well as productive food drives at both Whitesboro Elementary and Whitesboro Middle School, allowed the venture to be successful.
Twenty-one tables were laden with food varieties from ham and potatoes to vegetables, pasta, ready-to-prepare mixes, sugar, canned fruits, butter and cereal. Several cases of baby formula were even donated to the cause.
The endeavor was hectic, yet well organized, as 100 participants spent slightly more than an hour to load cardboard boxes with various staples.
Younger members of the group rallied together to fill a single order -- with one small flaxen-haired girl noting that Santa would certainly be “taking the items to someone very special.” Added another, “My mom says that we are supposed to help others during Christmas, so I came up here with my grandma. They said it would make the angels smile, so I guess with all these people here, the angels are really happy.”
The more tenured helpers -- many who have been assisting with the project since its inception -- issued instructions, carted heavy boxes to awaiting automobiles and coordinated delivery of the food to many of the rural-most points of Whitesboro.
In the end, efforts of the Whitesboro Ministerial Alliance netted 140 gift baskets for distribution to the less fortunate.
Toys, from stuffed animals to challenging board games, were allocated by age category to 90 families, too.
Approximately 89 food baskets were delivered to local residents in 1991; while more than 100 donation boxes were delivered during 1992, 1993 and 1994.
40 years ago…
December 19, 1985
POST OFFICE TO ADD FOURTH RURAL ROUTE
The Whitesboro Post Office will be adding a fourth route beginning in January 1986, due to an overburden brought on by growth in the area.
Starting last week, the local department began shipping three hampers filled with mail almost everyday.
“Today we shipped four,” said Leohr.
The local department has been handling about 100 to 250 packages a day during the past two weeks for outgoing mail only.
Concerning the proposed fourth route, Leohr said it will “consist mainly of deliveries in the city where street numbers can be used instead of rural route numbers, so any transferrals in the future will not disrupt mail service. Therefore, people who live in city limits are to contact the city and use street addresses instead of rural routes.”
The fourth route will consist of city areas including Broadway south of the railroad tracks, Town North Shopping Plaza, Texoma, Red River and Charlie drives, Fourth Street, Sherman Drive, Bois d’Arc, portions of U.S. Highway 377 and two new housing projects located on the north and south sides of U.S. Highway 82.
60 years ago…
December 23, 1965
FINAL DRAWING CHRISTMAS EVE
Prize money totaling $70 was given to residents from Whitesboro, Sadler and Gordonville in Saturday’s drawing as the Christmas promotion draws to a close.
Winners were Ruth Barnes of Whitesboro, $10; Johnny Pruett of Whitesboro, $15; Mrs. O.A. Cecil of Sadler, $20; and Mrs. C.W. Findley of Gordonville, $25.
The final drawing in the Christmas promotion, sponsored by the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce, will be held Friday afternoon.