The 2017 Union County Christmas Basket Fund is underway.
Donations totaling $1,135 have been received to date.
This year’s fund goal is $16,500 and organizers are gearing up for another successful campaign.
Last year, 168 baskets serving 658 people and nursing home baskets 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.
The Christmas Basket Fund board is assisted in packing and distributing baskets by several local clubs: Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, VFW and FFA.
Present board officers are: Ellen Gerharz, president; Bob Jungst, vice president; Steve Crittenden and Jenna Greene, treasurers; and Rose Henry, secretary. Additional board members are: Dean and Twila Brant, Todd Nielson, Rich Paulsen, Brad Baker, Chuck Spindler, Beth Kulow 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:
Kiwanis $450
From friends $200
Carla Beavers and Curtis Downing $30
Betty Beavers and Mike Beavers $30
Mike Moon and Otis Brown $30
In memory of Jean Bryant $100
Anonymous $100
Aflac Insurance – Phyllis Kimball $50
Narvre No. 54 $25
Anonymous $50
Helen Mosman $50
In memory of Harry, Patty and Mike Schlapia and Chris Burlingame $20
Total to date: $1,135