A Christmas tradition that has helped Independence County families for more than 4 decades is preparing for another holiday season, with organizers planning to distribute about 1,200 boxes of food to local residents in need.
Christmas Brings Hope is once again bringing together schools, fire departments, law enforcement, local businesses, volunteers and community organizations to make sure families have food during the Christmas holiday.
Ted Hall, longtime community leader and former Area Agency on Aging official, joined Bob Connell on ArkansasRadio.com’s Open Mic program to discuss this year’s Christmas Brings Hope campaign, the application process and how residents can help.
Listen to the Full Open Mic Interview
You can hear Ted Hall on Open Mic with Bob Connell at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, on your ArkansasRadio.com radio station. Or click below to hear the full conversation now.
Hall said the program dates back more than 40 years, beginning with the local Jaycees before later becoming associated with the Rotary organization. Hall has personally been involved for more than 3 decades and says the community’s continued support has helped make the program successful.
1,200 Holiday Food Boxes Planned
Hall explained that Christmas Brings Hope depends on widespread community participation. Schools, volunteer fire departments, police officers, city and county government, businesses and individual volunteers all contribute to the annual effort.
Hall said organizers are preparing about 1,200 boxes of food for individuals and families throughout Independence County.
The program is intended to help residents facing financial challenges, including families, senior citizens and individuals who may need extra help during the Christmas season.
Connell noted during the interview that many people go through times when they simply need a helping hand, whether they are supporting a family or living alone.
Where to Get an Application
Residents who need a Christmas food box can pick up an application at either of these Batesville locations:
- White River Area Agency on Aging, 3998 Harrison Street, Batesville
- Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, 409 Vine Street, Batesville
Applications can also be picked up for family members, neighbors or others who may need help.
The application deadline is Friday, November 13, 2026. Hall encourages residents to complete and return applications as soon as possible so organizers have time to process requests and prepare the food boxes.
Anyone needing help getting an application or wanting more information can call Ted Hall at 870-612-7877.
Christmas Food Boxes Delivered December 12
Christmas Brings Hope will deliver its holiday food boxes on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Hall said area firefighters and law enforcement officers will help deliver the boxes directly to approved households throughout Independence County between 7 a.m. and noon.
Home delivery helps residents who may have transportation limitations or difficulty picking up food themselves.
Volunteers Needed December 6
Community members who would like to help pack the food boxes are encouraged to volunteer. Volunteers should arrive at the Independence County Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 6, between 1:30 and 2 p.m.
Donations Being Accepted
Monetary donations are also being accepted to help buy food and other groceries. Contributions may be sent in care of Christmas Brings Hope to:
- Citizens Bank, 655 St. Louis Street, Batesville, AR 72501
- First Community Bank, 1325 Harrison Street, Batesville, AR 72501
More Than 40 Years of Bringing Hope
Hall told Connell that Christmas Brings Hope has become a communitywide effort, and he thanked the schools, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, local governments and everyone else who contributes.
With about 1,200 food boxes planned this year, organizers hope to continue that tradition and make Christmas a little brighter for Independence County residents.
Important Dates
- November 13: Application deadline
- December 6: Volunteer food box packing at the Independence County Fairgrounds, 1:30 to 2 p.m. arrival
- December 12: Home delivery of food boxes, 7 a.m. to noon
For more information, call Ted Hall at 870-612-7877.
Read more: Christmas Brings Hope Food Box Applications Due Nov. 13 (includes a printable application form)
HAVE INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Do you have a news tip, community event or story idea? Submit your event at
To report a typo, please email newsarkansasradio@gmail.com
Leave a Reply