The 2018 Union County Christmas Basket Fund campaign is underway. Donations totaling $1,460 have been received to date.
This year’s goal is $16,500, and organizers are gearing up for another successful year.
Last year, 215 baskets serving 771 people were distributed.
Baskets include meat, canned goods – donated through efforts of the Boy Scouts and school and community projects – and certificates redeemable at local supermarkets for perishable foods.
Nomination forms for Union County residents can be picked up at the Creston News Advertiser, MATURA or the O’Riley Center and will be accepted until Dec. 1. Nomination forms must be filled out completely and include the names of all the individuals residing in the home.
Baskets will be distributed between 9 and 11 a.m. Dec. 15 at Innovative Industries. The baskets can also be delivered. The request for delivery must be indicated on the nomination form. In the past, notices were sent out reminding people to pick up their baskets. This year, the only reminder will be handed out with the nomination form.
The Christmas Basket Fund board is assisted in packing and distributing baskets by several local clubs including Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, VFW and FFA.
Present board members are: Ellen Gerharz – chairman; Todd Nielsen – vice-chair; Chuck Spindler – secretary; Steve Crittenden – co-treasurer; Jenna Greene – co-treasurer. Additional board members include: Brad Baker, Rich Paulsen, Paul Fuller, Rick Leonard, Mark O’Riley, Caitlyn Maitlen and Greg Abbott.
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 Sandy Wilker from Lois and John Collins, Terri and Doug Walter, Rich Wilker and Tim Wilker $100
Carla and Curtis Downey $30
Betty and Mike Beavers $30
Mike Moon and Otis Brown $30
In memory of Harry Schlapia, Chris Burlingame and Mike Schlapia $20
In memory of Linda Wilker from Chad and Stacie Wilker and family $25
Warren and Marlene Merboth $100
St. Johns Women’s Fellowship $100
In memory of Linda Wilker from Brent Wilker $25
Wal-Mart $1,000
Total: $1,460
Total to date: $1,460