Russellville civic organization Krewe de Guard has scheduled its final fundraiser of the year for Dec. 20 from 1-4 p.m., bringing a cup of good cheer to the streets of Russellville.

“Santa” Jamie Dozier, “Mrs. Claus” Anna Carol Porter and “Madea” Tammy West will – weather permitting – hit the town with hot cocoa and ice cream sandwiches for $1 each. They will be riding through local neighborhoods to spread cheer and engage in socially-distant visits with children.

Porter, Krewe de Guard founder, said the fundraiser is a way to generate money for the group’s Mildred Young Scholarship, which will be awarded to a Russellville 2021 senior going into the arts. Painters, singers, actors, musicians, dancers, sculptors and more are encouraged to apply. Instructions will be available on the Krewe de Guard Facebook page in January 2021.

The goal is to raise $1,000.

The late Mildred Young, who passed way in 2019, spent her 28-year career as a teacher at West Elementary. Young was the mother of Marlena Jones and Meletha Walker, both members of Krewe de Guard. Jones was the first member to meet with Porter to discuss the possibility of the club that would become Krewe de Guard.

Jones and Porter took dance lessons together from elementary school until Jones graduated in 2002, and Walker is now the choral teacher at Tharptown School.

“We have always celebrated the arts together, so I find it very fitting for the Mildred Young Scholarship to be presented to someone who loves the arts as much as we do,” Porter explained. “We are so thankful that our community has helped us with several projects this year. They have shown so much love and support. We have had a terrific first year, especially with having to be extra cautious due to COVID-19.”

Krewe de Guard is an environmentally-friendly club founded to get more people involved in the community. The club works alongside existing organizations to benefit the community. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page or call 256-668-2830.