By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — It was recognition time Tuesday as Sussex County government saluted the organizations that helped feed the need during the 2021 Caroling on The Circle food drive.

Donations by these groups joined others that “Packed the Pod” to combine for more than 20,000 food items, which were forwarded to approximately 20 pantries, shelters and churches for distribution to the county’s needy.

During County Council’s Tuesday meeting, county administrator Todd Lawson thanked volunteers for their efforts “to raise food goods for our community members that are in need during the holiday season.”

Topping the list was the law firm of Fuqua, Willard, Stevens & Schab, whose $1,000 donation provided 2,200 items.

Rounding out the top five were the First State Manufactured Housing Association ($750, equaling 1,650 items), Rehoboth Elementary School (1,645 items), Delmarva Christian High School (1,389 items) and Colonial East ($600 for 1,320 items).

Others recognized Tuesday included Sussex Academy, 110 items; Little Einsteins Preschool Millsboro, 174 items; Georgetown Elementary School, 200 items; Nicola Pizza, $100 (220 items); Seaford High School, 230 items; Millsboro Middle School, 400 items; ALOFT AeroArchitects, $145 (425 items); North Georgetown Elementary School, 466 items; H.O. Brittingham Elementary School, 550 items; Little Einsteins Preschool in Georgetown, 561 items; and Long Neck Elementary School, 800 items.

Plaques and recognitions were presented to some of the groups with representatives in attendance.

“Again, to all those that volunteer to contribute, thank you very much for all of your efforts. We couldn’t do it without you,” Mr. Lawson said.

An abbreviated 2020 campaign, punctuated by the cancellation of Caroling on The Circle due to pandemic restrictions, netted approximately 15,000 items. 2021’s donations up the program’s cumulative total to about 800,000 food items.

Caroling on The Circle started in 1984, as part of the Delaware First initiative.