HELPING OUT — Among those helping to organize the third-annual Christmas meal delivery are, from left, Kevin Davis of Weirton Transit; Ken Wright from United Bank; Brandon Palmeri, representing Rotary; Patty Criss of Cove Presbyterian Church; Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam; Maj. Tonya Roberts and Maj. Eric Roberts of the Salvation Army; Weirton Councilman Anthony Rocchio; and Weirton Mayor Dean Harris. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Inspired by efforts in the community during other holiday festivities, a group of city officials and local volunteers are continuing their efforts to brighten Christmas for some of the city’s residents.

For the third year, plans are under way for a Christmas meal delivery to residents of the city’s high-rise facilities, as well as a group of pre-registered shut-ins.

“We could not have done this without everyone coming together,” noted Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam, among those working to organize the effort.

Residents of Freedom Place 1, Freedom Place 2, Overbrook Towers and Chestnut Manor have been provided with registration forms, with meals set to be delivered Dec. 20.

The effort is being organized through the efforts of the Salvation Army of Brooke and Hancock Counties, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, the City of Weirton, the Rotary Club of Weirton Heights, the Hancock Brooke Young Professionals, EZ Fresh Meals, and Weirton Transit.

The meals are being sponsored through donations by Mayor Dean Harris, Councilman Anthony Rocchio, Cove Presbyterian Church, Rotary Club of Weirton Heights, Weirton Sheetz, Weirton Kroger, United Bank, Weirton Woman’s Club, Salvation Army, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, and the Brooke Hancock Family Resource Network Food Security Team.

Preparations for the meals will be done at EZ Fresh beginning Monday, with delivery of meals taking place between noon and 2 p.m., Dec. 20 to those who have registered.

Those who know of any shut-ins who would like a meal, as well as anyone interested in volunteering for the effort, are asked to contact Pulliam no later than Friday at (681) 495-4820, or by email at dpulliam@cityofweirton.com.

“Reach out by Friday, so we can have that organized,” Pulliam said.

It’s a program organizers are hoping to see continue to grow in the years ahead.