A disabled Madera woman who has dedicated the last 20 holiday seasons to collecting food, clothing and toys to distribute among the needy is giving up the effort after this year’s giveaway.
Shirley McClellan cited a lack of support from donors, especially local retailers, whose help she sought, as the reason why the annual Christmas giveaway, organized by her nonprofit Diversity for the Community, will cease to be.
“It’s just hard for people to donate to me in Madera and I don’t know why. It hurts my feelings because I shop at these stores throughout the year. They just tell me they can’t donate because they’ve already donated to somebody else, but I don’t believe them,” said McClellan.
She is set on making this year’s event the best ever — and the last...