Whether it was food to those in need or time to those of a younger age, Pine Bluff was in a giving mood Saturday.
The Delta Network Food Bank held a food giveaway for the 17th year at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tyson Foods contributed with a truckload of chicken to give away, along with sacks of groceries.
Jacqueline Ross, the director of the food bank, said 43 volunteers came out to help deliver goods, and many of them called her asking how to help before she could call them. The volunteers came from Pine Bluff fire and police departments, as well as the Arkansas Buffalo Soldiers Post of Maumelle, Arkansas County Layman’s Group, Covenant Recovery and a host of churches.
The giveaway drew a line that at one point was backed into Ohio Street, Ross said. Only one lane eastbound on Eighth Avenue was open during the giveaway.
Delta Network Food Bank is based at 11 Portea Drive. Louis Ross is the CEO, and Frederick Anthony is chairman of the board.
Just a few blocks south of the Convention Center, children got into the holiday spirit at the Carl A. Redus Jr. Aquatics Center for the Christmas Extravaganza.
Santa Claus greeted the young and old, with games at the pool area, an open concession stand and storytime with Melanie Madkin. Kids also colored a picture, while Pine Bluff’s James Brown played tunes with a hand pan.
Volunteers gather groceries to give away to those in need at the Pine Bluff Convention Center on Saturday. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
First-grade teacher Melanie Madkin reads “How to Catch a Reindeer” to a young audience during the Christmas Extravaganza. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
Santa Claus welcomes visitors to the Carl A. Redus Jr. Aquatics Center for a Christmas Extravaganza. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)