Hundreds of seniors in DeKalb County can get an early Christmas gift if they attend a holiday festival.

DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson will give away free $100 grocery gift cards to the first 400 seniors who attend her Holiday Health, Wellness and Food Festival on Dec. 21. The festive event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lou Walker Senior Center, located at 2538 Panola Road.

Demetrius McCoy, Johnson’s chief of staff, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the commissioner is using the last of her allotment of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to purchase the gift cards. Each DeKalb commissioner received $1.4 million in CARES Act funds to fund initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To qualify, you must be at least 60 years old and be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Attendees need to bring their vaccination card to enter the event.

In addition, attendees need to register in advance. To register, visit form.jotform.com/2133260609252147. Each attendee must register individually.

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