By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

The City of Jemison will have a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 22 to bring in the holiday season. Gift cards will be collected to help children in need.

The city’s sixth annual Christmas tree lighting will be preceded by a community wide Communion service this year. Many community churches are coming together for the service, including Jemison First Baptist, Holly Grove Baptist and St. Paul Baptist, along with two unconfirmed churches as of Nov. 17.

Shannon Welch, the organizer of the event, said that it is great for community involvement.

“It’s a good way to help kick-start the holidays,” said Welch.

The event is not just about the ceremonies and Santa; there will also be an opportunity for citizens to show the holiday spirit of giving.

This year, citizens are encouraged to bring $5 gift cards from fast food restaurants for DHR. According to Welch, New Life in Clanton contacted him and said they saw a need.

“When [DHR workers] get kids out of homes, the kids’ immediate need is often that they are hungry,” said Welch.

The idea is that if the workers had gift cards with them, they could quickly take the child to get food wherever they are. After the city collects the cards, they will give them to DHR to be used for this purpose.

Those who wish to donate can bring gift cards with them to the ceremony and give them to Welch or Tammy McGriff.

The event will be held at the Jemison Municipal Complex on Nov. 22.

The community-wide Communion service will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Light snacks and drinks will be served.

Santa Claus will be there after the lighting for children to get their picture taken.