Image by Cabot Junior Auxiliary

For more than 20 years, Cabot JA's Christmas Blessing has helped an average of 100 children per year.

When the lights, trees and Nativity scenes start going up in Cabot, it’s time for fun and community service.

If a visit with Santa is on your Christmas to-do list, Cabot City Beautiful’s 15th Annual Santa Shack is the place to find him. Located at the Cabot Walmart, the Santa Shack will be open through Dec. 23 on Friday evenings, all day Saturday, and Sunday afternoon and evenings. Visits with Santa are free, and photos are available for a $3 donation. All proceeds from the Santa Shack benefit Cabot City Beautiful.

Santa will also make an appearance at the annual Cabot Christmas Parade at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11. The parade will begin at Panther Trail and end at Central Elementary School. An awards ceremony will take place at Plantation Realty immediately following the parade.

For more information about the Santa Shack or the Christmas parade, email Cabot City Beautiful at CabotBeautiful@Yahoo.com.

Cabot-area organizations also offer many opportunities to give back to the community during the Christmas season. Since 1976, Cabot Christmas for Kids has ensured that the children in the Cabot School District whose families are facing difficult economic times receive toys at Christmas.

Local businesses donate new toys, and the Cabot Fire Department and other groups raise funds to help buy them. In 2010, more than 1,400 children received toys through the program. Donation boxes are available at Cabot businesses and schools, and anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can do so at the Cabot School District warehouse, located at 310 G.P. Murrell Drive, or can contact Bill Holden at 743-3560.

Working in conjunction with Cabot Christmas for Kids, the Christmas Alliance provides a food box to each family whose child receives toys. In 2010, the Christmas Alliance provided more than 685 families with food. Volunteers are needed for sorting/packing the food boxes the week of Dec. 12, and distribution will be Saturday, Dec. 17. Requests for a food box can be mailed to Cabot Christmas Alliance, P.O. Box 821, Cabot, 72023. For more information about volunteering, making a donation, or receiving a food box, call 628-2706.

For more than 20 years, Cabot Junior Auxiliary’s Christmas Blessing has helped an average of 100 Cabot children each year. By working with Cabot schools, JA identifies children in need, and each child gets two tags/ornaments on the JA Christmas tree: one for clothing and one for toiletries or toys, depending on age. Members of the community are invited to pick up a tag/ornament and meet the child’s needs. For more information on how to get involved, message JA on Facebook or visit JuniorAuxiliaryOfCabot.com.