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.
To date, $4,724 has been donated.
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.
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:
In Memory of Norma Crago $400
William & Angel Sorden $50
Ken & Carol Foster $75
Rosalie Denton $25
Gerald & Barb Thomsen $25
Cromwell Women’s Fellowship $50
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Mosman $50
In Memory of Russell King $25
In Memory of Earl & Betty Winterstien $100
In Memory of Margarethe K. Healey $10
In Memory of Joseph P. Healey $10
In Memory of Mary S. Wilson $10
Union County Chapter 07-01 of Thrivent Financial $435
Walmart $1,100
In Memory of Eldon Vandewater $30
A Friend $25
Ty & Beckum Sevier $100
Warren & Marlene Merboth $100
Raymond Banner $30
NARVRE #54 $25
Today’s total: $2,675
Total to Date: $4,724