BURLINGTON - The Christmas spirit is thriving among the enthusiastic volunteers of the Concerned Citizens of Burlington and all the work they’ve done is their gift to their community.

It all started two weeks before Thanksgiving when they trekked out to the Burlington Commons to put up Christmas lights and decorations.

This is the third year for the organization to decorate the commons and they put out freestanding decorations like geese on the riverbank, reindeer on the grounds, stars and lights.

One of the major focal points of the park is the

circa 1880s log cabin donated to Concerned Citizens and is currently in the process of being rebuilt on the spot next to the old jail.

Lights and wreaths were strung around it with a Santa Claus gracing a place of prominence. Also a nativity scene was erected.

“Some of the decorations were bought. Some were given and some were homemade,” said Margaret Pennington, a member of the decoration committee. “This is our third year and we are trying to make it better.”

Working on the park were Mr. and Mrs. John France, Ed Moellendick, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Conwell, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Pennington Jr. and Virgil Schnider.

And soon as the volunteers get this year’s decorations packed away, they’ll be brainstorming and looking out for new items.

“We will ask anyone who is not going to use their decorations next year if they want to donate,” said Harriette Ramsey of the Concerned Citizens

This past Thursday was the organization’s annual Christmas dinner where participants are asked to bring to the event at least one non-perishable food items.

The food is then donated to the Chesapeake

Food Bank that provides items for those going through tough economic times. This year 30 cans of food were donated.