photos by Jared Boyd

Project Merry Christmas does it again. By the end of the season, PMC will have reached out to hundreds of children and families throughout La Plata County. Since Nov. 24, PMC has been running full tilt to get this years donations wrapped and ready for delivery. Dozens of volunteers, from rookies to seasoned veterans, have donated an enormous amount of time to see that less fortunate families cross La Plata County will have a gift-filled Christmas. The Angel and Bell Tree is once again at the Durango Mall, along with a gift-wrapping table where donations go to PMC. Families, businesses, churches and other organizations can "adopt" a family and fulfill that familys food, clothing and toy needs. There is also a blanket drive and a Mitten Tree to help those in need stay warm. There are also several other programs in place, and volunteers have their hands full, to say the least. For those interested in volunteering or making a donation, please stop by the old Armory Building (next to rec center) for more information.

Judy Stepan folds a sweater before boxing and wrapping it. Combined, the volunteers for project Merry Christmas will have spent weeks preparing and delivering gifts to La Plata County's less fortunate. As seen from behind red curtains, volunteers Marry Marqua and Kaye Weis prepare gift bags. Kaye Weis packs a box of toys for a family. Despite the thousands of donated toys thus far, Weis has little trouble locating and knowing exactly what she has at any given time. Volunteer Kelly Velasquez walks past a rack of donated clothes. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 16. Volunteer gift wrapper Barb Gysel wraps a donated gift across from Sears in the Durango Mall.