EMPIRE DISTRICT KICKS OFF ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ELVES PROGRAM    JOPLIN, MO – November 19, 2018 – Since 1987, employees and customers of Liberty Utilities - Empire District have provided holiday cheer to their elderly neighbors through the Christmas Elves program.  Over the years, thousands of gifts have been distributed to elderly customers who spend their holidays alone. Liberty – Empire works with local, non-profit organizations to identify area residents for the program and to help distribute gifts. This year, nearly 200 elderly friends and neighbors will rely upon a generous Christmas Elf to deliver a little holiday cheer into their lives.      Wish lists are often quite simple and include items such as gloves, socks and slippers, blankets, stationery and stamps, pet food and supplies, and nonperishable food items. Elves are asked to limit the size and weight of boxes – large or heavy boxes can be difficult for both volunteers and recipients to handle.

 

 

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This year Joplin Host became Christmas Elves to four of those elderly folks and provided some holiday spirit to brighten their day.

 

 

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 Extending their role as Christmas Elves, they sponsored a party for the Lafayette House Day Care kids.  They were excited to find Santa in their midst to share their wishes and receive gifts from Santa.

 
The young and elderly can conjure the image of an elf in their minds. The Lions stayed out of sight so as to keep their images intact. Few, if any Joplin Host Lions resemble elves.