Last year the Hilton-Parma Community Council's Food Shelf provided supplies for 1,600 meals to 103 adults and 93 children. The Council's Christmas Basket Program through member churches delivered 49 baskets with food and gifts. The Clothes Closet served 1,105 clients. A Furniture Alert and Senior Food and Clothes programs are also run by the Council. All programs are run by volunteers. There is no salaried staff.

These activities demonstrate what David Barnes, the council treasurer, says is a "very worthwhile cause." Barnes, originally from Hilton, moved to Fairport but continues the treasurer's duties by email and postal services.

The Hilton-Parma Community Council was formed in 1979 by the local clergy association to meet the needs in the community by a collective effort rather than by individual churches or associations. There are nine churches and fifteen lay persons on the Council.

Current officers are: President, Shirley Gaupp; Vice-president, Carol Weldon; Secretary, Ruth Stewart; Treasurer, David Barnes.

Meetings, open to the public, are held monthly in the Hilton Community Center. Interested persons may contact the council through a member church or by writing to Hilton-Parma Community Council, P.O. Box 127, Hilton, NY 14468.

The Christmas Basket Program furnishes holiday meals to area residents who otherwise would not have one. The council coordinates the names of those who wish to give a basket with those who wish to receive one. Money the council receives is used to provide baskets not covered by donors plus extra items for baskets. Contact this program by writing to the above address.

The Clothes Closet is open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon every Tuesday, September to June at the Hilton Baptist Church, 50 Lake Avenue, Hilton. Donations may also be made at that location. Call 392-7236 for times.

The Food Shelf takes calls daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 392-9561. After a client completes a questionnaire via the telephone, an appointment is made to pick up food. Food is delivered to the infirm. Staples are supplied by local donations and food drives. Fresh food such as chicken legs, wieners, milk, eggs, bread, and margarine are purchased at Furnal's Big M at a discount.

The Furniture Alert may be reached by calling voice mail at 234-2700. Donations of useable household items are always welcome.

The Senior Food and Clothing Program may be reached at 392-9561. Requested food and/or clothing is delivered by volunteers.

Additional support for Christmas Baskets comes from the Apple Fest, HSBC Bank, M&T Bank, CVS Pharmacy, Parma Public Library, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Lion's Club, Sheffield Christmas Trees and Furnal's Big M.