By By GREG KATSKI
Community Editor
John Ore found a new way to spread Christmas cheer at First Christian Church’s annual Cookie Express fundraiser on Saturday afternoon.
Ore, 74, who lives in a retirement community, was gathering all kinds of cookies to bring back to his apartment and share with others, namely children visiting their grandparents in the community.
Ore took his time picking out cookies perfect for his neighbors’ grandchildren, maneuvering his motorized wheelchair around dozens of tables spread out with hundreds of different kinds of cookies and treats.
All of the tasty treats were baked by members of the First Christian Church, according to Cookie Express Co-Chair Margaret Ann Woolard.
Woolard, who chaired the annual event with Annette Jefferson, said church members baked a record number of cookies for this year’s Express.
She said putting on such an event takes teamwork.
“We all worked together,” she said, adding that the event planners had cooking nights at the church leading up to Saturday.
As the Express, which ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., was wrapping up Woolard said the hard work that went into the event was worth it.
“Turnout was excellent,” she said. “This year’s (Express) was bigger than ever.”
Woolard said that people were waiting in line at 8:30 a.m. to get their hands on their favorite cookies.
Money raised from this year’s Cookie Express with go towards community outreach and church ministries, said Woolard and Jefferson.