HANCOCK - Although she's only 6 years old, May Amelia Shapton is a veteran server at two Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly Thanksgiving dinners, and now she can add food-box packer to her resume.
May was with her mother, Martha Shapton, at the LBFE offices in Hancock Tuesday helping to pack the 200 boxes of non-perishable food, which will be delivered to elderly residents of Houghton County in time for Christmas.
Martha Shapton said this was the first time she and May helped out with filling the boxes at LBFE.
"I wanted something we could do together," she said. "It seemed like something nice to do."
Cathy Aten, LBFE volunteer coordinator, said May and Martha were part of a group of about 25 volunteers helping to fill the boxes on a sort of assembly line of different items Tuesday.
This is the 26th year the organization has been delivering the packages, which usually contain a canned ham, coffee, cinnamon bread and candy, among other things.
Aten said the packages will be delivered from today to Christmas Eve by many of the same people filling them, and they will also be delivering companionship.
"They will be delivered to 200 of our friends in the county," she said. "When volunteers deliver the boxes, they're asked to take some time and visit with the people. The visit is just as important as the gift."
The packing of the boxes Tuesday began at 6 p.m., and Aten said they would all be filled and gift wrapped by 8 p.m. because the people packing really enjoy the process.
"It's a fun thing to do," she said.
Martha Shapton said May was having fun doing the packing despite the speed of the line and the crowded conditions.
"She'll stay until they kick her out," she said.
Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie@mininggazette.com.
