While there are several local efforts each year to help children in need, Cindy Varden and others had an idea to help another group that might be grateful.

“Everybody was helping kids, and nobody ever thinks about the elderly,” Varden said. “They need help too.”

“Angels for the Elderly” was organized to ensure a Merry Christmas for seniors in Chilton County that may not otherwise have one.

Varden and others, including Eddy Lockhart on behalf of Through the Grace of God Ministries, have held two organization meetings leading up to a dinner party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Through the Grace of God, located off Eighth Street in Clanton.

At the party, any local senior wishing to attend can enjoy a free meal, gift and picture with Santa Claus.

The only requirement for participation is being 55 years of age or older.

Anyone wishing to attend should call Varden at (205) 294-4433 to make a reservation.

Varden said organizers hope at least 60 seniors attend. Fliers have been distributed around town as well as to groups including Clanton Senior Connection and the Clanton Senior Center.

Transportation will be provided for those in need.

“We’ll give them a ride,” Varden said. “We’ll get them here.”

Lockhart said anyone attending should expect to be presented the Gospel.

“They’ll hear about Jesus,” Lockhart said. “We’ve got something greater than gloves to give them.”

The meal and facilities are being provided by Bro. Ralph Bingham and Through the Grace of God Ministries.

Also, Clanton Intermediate School students have donated gloves and homemade Christmas ornaments and cards, after the school’s principal circulated a letter asking for help.

Donors and other contributors include Roadside Diesel, MorLyn’s, Southern Dixie Auto Repair, Auto Collision, Chilton Feed and Seed, Peggy Smith Arts, attorneys James Bailey and James D. Fancher, and Samaria Baptist Church youth choir.