The 2018 Union County Christmas Basket Fund campaign is underway. Donations totaling $2,390 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.
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 Harry and Patty Schlapia, Chris Burlingame and Mike Schlapia $20 (corrected from last week)
A friend $20
A friend $20
Raymond Banner $40
James and Marilyn Francis $50
Creston Lions Club $250
Gene and Peggy Clark $25
In memory of Ed and Delores Roberts $100
In memory of Beth Coen $100
In memory of Ron and Bev Dalhberg $25
In memory of Monte and Trudy Jacobson $25
In memory of Judy Clark $25
In memory of Bill and Betty Page $25
Chet and Betty Abel $100
HIS Helpers SS Class/Cromwell Church $50
TOPS IA1338 - Creston $25
GFWC/Iowa Bancroft History Assembly $25
In memory of Adam Romesburg, Francis Bonus, Barb Romesburg, Andrew Romesburg and Johnathan Adams from Randal and Kim Romesburg and family $25
Total: $930
Total to date: $2,390