The 2017 Union County Christmas Basket Fund is underway.
Donations totaling $4,030 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.
Beginning: $2,330
Bill and Lois Jay $20
In memory of Gene Clark $25
In memory Judy Clark $25
In memory of Trudy and Monte Jacobson $25
In memory of Ron and Bev Dahlberg $25
Gerald and Barbara Thompsen $25
Arlan and Carolyn Biere $100
Janna Steed $25
In memory of Don Mullin $75
Ken’s Barber Shop $75
In memory of Earl and Betty Winterstien $100
Raymond Banner $40
Sand Creek Pioneers 4-H Club $25
In memory of Larry Denton $50
Warren and Marlene Merboth $100
In memory of Lloyd and Bernia $20
William and Angel Sorden $50
Mel Davis family $100
Creston Emmaus Reunion Group $100
Delmer and Alice Brown $20
Tops #1A 1338 Creston $25
Chet and Betty Abel $100
Jerusalem Church $500
In memory of Dean Lowenberg $25
In memory of Sarah Conley and Grandpa Leo $25
This week’s donations: $1,700
Total to date: $4,030