Halli Joiner, five, pitches in to help volunteers assemble boxes at Chappell’s Family Basket Brigade staging area on Saturday.

Chappell’s ninth annual Family Basket Brigade packed and delivered a record 315 boxes of food to needy families on Fri., Dec. 21.

“It’s miracle of God,” said Donnie Chappell, “A lot of people in need are going to be blesses today.

“When we started the project, we had 100 students enrolled in karate classes,” he pointed out. “This year we didn’t have an established karate class but a lot of former students, their families and friends came together and helped us get the job done.”

We had a lot of obstacles to overcome but the Lord prevailed,” project coordinator Amanda Bussey told volunteers before they began filling boxers with food at the CWO Center.

“We started our fundraiser back in September but had only enough money to buy 151 boxes of food as late as a week ago,” she said. “But we stepped up our efforts through e-mails, text messages, phone calls and person-to-person contacts. Yesterday, we were still a few boxes short of our 310 goal. Money was still trickling in this morning and I’m proud to report that we have reached 315 boxes of food.”

The food was boxed with the help of more than 50 volunteers and delivered to needy families in Morgan, Cullman and Limestone counties Saturday. Afternoon.

Each box contained a frozen turkey, roasting pan, stuffing, a bag of potatoes. Four cans of green beans and corn, cranberry sauce, , rolls, pie and a two-liter drink.

A Bible and greeting card were included, as well some toys for children of families receiving food boxes.

“The Lord tells us to feed the hungry,” Bussey stated.  “The glory is His, not ours. “Some families tell us if it wasn’t for the food we bring, they’d go hungry at Cjr9istmastime.  “To help meet their need is a blessing to us.”

“Christmas is a season of giving and it gives me joy to be able to give something back to the community by helping others.” said volunteer Suzette Amos. Her husband Davin added. “We reach out to help those in real need, it makes our own wants and needs seem small in comparison.”

Jonathan Chappell was recognized for the second year in a row as the volunteer who raised the most money for the project. The contributions he collected totaled $2,000.