The 4th Annual UAW Local 2195 Community Service Committee “Pickin’ for Presents” was held Saturday, October 09, 2004. This annual benefit concert raises money for the Community Service Christmas Charities, including help for the Salvation Army Christmas Relief. This year’s show featured a wide variety of musical acts with something for everyone’s musical taste.

“It looks like we are going to end up making about $1500 off the concert,” states Shirley Parker of the Community Service Committee. “We want to thank all our entertainers, helpers and those who came out to support this effort. We especially want to thank the Lanny Rose Band for helping make the evening such a success.”
This year’s entertainment included:

- Allison Hood
- Kathlin Terry
- Eric Miller
- Amber Dutton
- Tiffany Tucker
- Ronald and Betty Tucker and Line Dancers
- Kristi Thomason
- Mark Skinner
- John Davis
- The Lanny Rose Band

The Lanny Rose Band was the featured act again this year with band members Mike McCormick, David “Tink” Hargrove and Tim Moore all working on the Alabama Site. This group has two songs on the soundtrack of the new documentary “In The Shadow Of The Blade” that chronicles the efforts of the Huey Helicopter and those who used them during the Vietnam War. The documentary is currently in theaters across the country. The group performed two sets, including music from the movie and a few new numbers that are on a new CD they are finishing.

Also in attendance were Major David and Brenda Singletary of the Salvation Army.

Each year the Salvation Army’s Christmas Charities make the difference for hundreds of needy families in our area. Angel Trees, bell ringers, private fundraisers and the United Way of Morgan County assist the Salvation Army in making certain underprivileged children are remembered at Christmas time.

“In 2003 we assisted a total of 1457 families just at Christmas,” states Major Brenda Singletary of the Morgan County Chapter of the Salvation Army. “This included 6,766 individuals through our Angel Tree, family support and nursing home programs. The Angel Tree program initially had 584 angels, but due to need we allowed late signups that probably included about 200 more. The community has been great to assist us during the holidays and we appreciate everything that the UAW-Delphi does to help out.”

The Community Service Committee, Recreation Committee and Women’s Committee have all worked in the past to support these efforts. The people of the Alabama Site have stepped up to the plate numerous times in the past to help out and this year will certainly be no different. The Community Service Committee will be hosting a Karaoke night and auction at the Union Hall on November 20, 2004 as well. This will be another fundraiser for Christmas Charities.