Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.

Adam Stranahan, manager of Dollar General Market, shows donated gifts to children. (Photo courtesy of Shannon Mitchell)

Shannon Mitchell, who works in the personnel department at Madison City Schools’ Central Office, knew that some students in the Madison district and other children in the area probably would not receive gifts on Christmas morning.

Mitchell contacted Adam Stranahan, manager of Dollar General Market on Old Madison Pike, and asked for donations. “This is actually the second year that he has donated to our families,” Mitchell said. “He is extremely easy to work with and very generous.”

“We wanted to help families in need,” Stranahan said. He has worked at the Madison store since it opened in 2006.

Dollar General Market donated plenty of toys, like a baby stroller, dollhouse, baby’s toy phone and Xbox games. The children also will receive daily necessities, like food, socks, clothing, underwear and personal hygiene items, including soap, toothbrushes, cologne and perfume.

“Adam Stranahan always gives me a buggy and just says, ‘Get what you need,'” Mitchell said.

Five families will receive the gifts — three families with children in Madison City Schools and two children associated with the Children’s Advocacy Center. The district’s social worker, Brenda Vactor, identified families that needed some help at Christmas.

“Mr. Stranahan said that he thought what we are doing is great,” Mitchell said.

Dollar General Market’s address is 8466 Old Madison Pike near the intersection with Hughes Road. The store has a supermarket area, along with seasonal items, housewares, cleaning supplies, automotive needs and clothing. For more information, call 256-461-0990.