EFNEP agent assistant Kristie Allen, left, hands out groceries for a holiday meal to people who are part of the Grandparent Support Program through the county extension system.

At some point, everyone just needs a helping hand.

The truth in this statement is something Franklin County Extension Coordinator Katernia Cole has seen time and time again with the many different programs she implements through the county extension system.

But one of those programs that she said truly tugs at her heartstrings is the Grandparent Support Program, which recently received some aid through the extension system’s Farm to Table initiative.

This past holiday season, Cole said they were able to provide essential items to prepare a holiday meal to help local grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

“The Grandparent Support Program is something that is special because it takes a very strong and loving person to step in and accept the responsibility for raising their grandchildren,” Cole said.

“We try to do things that will make this responsibility a little bit easier for them, and the food we gave out was just one way of us doing that.”

Cole said the holiday food giveaway was also sponsored by Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow and his wife, Dr. Martha Morrow.

“We appreciate the Morrows helping us fund this essential program,” Cole said.

Rep. Morrow said he was glad to be part of such a worthwhile project.

“Martha and I wanted to help out during the holidays, but we weren’t sure where the greatest need was,” Morrow said.

“When I contacted Katernia and she told me about the Grandparent Support Program, I told her I would love to help these grandparents provide a special holiday meal for their families.

“What I did is very small in comparison to what these grandparents do every day in raising their grandchildren. This is a special group of people.”

Cole said each grandparent who is part of the program received potatoes, corn, yams, green beans, macaroni and cheese, rolls, cake mix, icing and a ham.

Cole said anyone in the county who is a grandparent and is currently responsible for raising their grandchildren is eligible to be part of the program.

To find out more information, contact Cole at 256-332-8880.