Couple's Idea for Christmas Cheer for the Needy
100 Are Coming for Dinner at Their Home on Dec. 22
By: Mary Ann Houpe

As Christmas dinners go, Monroe and JoeAnn Ballard are planning one of the biggest in town.

For seven years the sixth-grade teacher and his wife have made it a personal project to help the needy, especially children. Their work is year-round and "rain to shine.^"

This is the first year we've ever tired to do this," Mrs. Ballard said of the Dec. dinner. Tables will be set for 100.

Tuna salad made the main course, however, instead of the hoped ham, turkey or hen and trimmings. The couple depends on their own resources and generosity of others.

"Whether we have to have it in the yard or in the house, we plan to have it here," the teacher said at his home, 933 Barbara Drive.

They have 17 regular supporters, firms and their branches. Mrs. Ballard, who is a teacher's aide at Douglass High School, calls various businesses to urge them to help.

"Most of the things we receive from businesses are new, just damaged some," she said. That includes household items like dishes as well as shoes and clothing.

"Now we're completely out," said Mrs. Ballard. "We need to start all over again." They are preparing Christmas gifts for the 60 children.

"We have more people demanding things," he said Wand just don't have enough to go around."

Pickups are made in his red '56 truck, "We appreciate everything we get," he said, Wand we pick up anything at all, even if it's Just one pair of shoes." His brother, the Rev. Sylvester Ballard, assists. Sometimes members of Mr. Ballard's sixth grade class do repair work on toys and other items.

Outings they have arranged have provided a chance for some children to get out of Memphis for the first time. Some of the children have undesirable home conditions. One teenager told the couple she felt more at home at their house than at her own home.

Most every weekend there are at least 10 children for Sunday dinner and one Sunday there were 35.

"To make better citizens for society" is the purpose of their work, said the parents of two small daughters.

"And it's worth every bit of the way^." said Mr. Ballard.

"Copyright, (1973),  The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN 38103.  Used with permission.  Notice: This article may not be copied, downloaded, or reproduced in any form or medium without express, written permission from The Commercial Appeal."

Return to Article Index