The 2015 Union County Christmas Basket Fund campaign is underway.
This year’s fund goal is $19,000 and organizers are gearing up for another successful campaign.
Last year, 550 baskets serving more than 1,200 people were distributed. Residents of care centers in Creston and Afton received fruit and Kleenex.
Baskets include meat, canned goods donated through efforts of Boy Scouts and school and community projects and certificates redeemable at local supermarkets for perishable foods.
Nominations for Union County residents will be taken until Nov. 24.
Each child 18 and younger will also receive a gift certificate for clothing items.
Along with providing food baskets and certificates to those in need at Christmas, monetary and food donations are used by The Christmas Basket Fund to provide assistance throughout the year. Those organizations are MATURA, Food for Life, Ministerial Alliance, open table and the food pantry.
The Christmas Basket Fund board is assisted in packing and distributing baskets by the local Kiwanis, Lions Club, Rotary, VFW and FFA.
Present board officers are: Ellen Gerharz, president; Bob Jungst, vice president; Steve Crittenden, treasurer, and Rose Henry, secretary. Additional board members are: Dean and Twila Brant, Todd Nielson, Rich Paulsen, Brad Baker, Chuck Spindler, Beth Kulow, Jenna Greene and Troy Peterson.
Contributions may be sent to: Christmas Basket Fund, P.O. Box 126, Creston, IA 50801; or dropped off at the Creston News Advertiser, 503 W. Adams St.
All contributions will be published in the Creston News Advertiser weekly progress report listed by name or “friend,” as desired.
This week’s contributions:
American Legion Aux No. 70 $50
Platte Center Church $200
In loving memory of Sandra Wilker from her children and their families: Lori Wilker Collins, Richard Wilker, Terri Wilker, Timothy Wilker $100
In memory of Dale Weed and Sheila Gordon $100
In memory of Mike Schlapia and Harry and Patty Schlapia $20
In memory of Linda Wilker from her children and their families, Brent Wilker and Chad Wilker $50
In memory of Dick Lechtenberger $100
In memory of Faye Scheel and Joe and Eleanor Hatton $25
Arlan and Carolyn Biere $100
Elzevir Reading Circle $25
Total $770
Extended Balance $2049