CHRISTMAS BASKET AIDS NEARLY 300 FAMILIES

Taking a break: Jackson Elks Lodge members and other local volunteers made the Gift Basket and Bundle of Joy programs possible. Here three of them took a short breather. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Workers: Volunteers spent most of the day Thursday distributing food, toys and clothing to families in need of some Christmas cheer. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Potatoes: Fresh produce was among the food items available for families at the Christmas Basket Project. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

An impressive joint effort between local organizations and schools resulted in nearly 300 eligible families receiving free food, toys and clothing Thursday.

The annual Christmas Basket Project and Bundle of Joy program, sponsored by the Jackson Elks Lodge, the Jackson Police Department, Jackson Fire Rescue, the Girls Scouts of America and the Jackson Jaycees, provided Christmas cheer to at least 280 families.

Michael Browne, Elks Christmas Basket chairman, said that while the inclement weather "had a bearing' on attendance, the decision to extend the project's hours form 9:45 a.m. until 6 p.m. led to a strong turnout.

Food and cash donations were collected by Jackson high School and West Lane Elementary students. About 12,000 cans and $350 cash were collected.

"Without them we couldn't do this," Browne said. "The merchants also helped a bunch. We thank them also."

Meanwhile, area Girl Scouts collected mittens, scarves, gloves, and hats, along with the Oak Ridge Ladies Organization. The Jackson Police Department handled the Bundle of Joy toy collection.

The distribution was done at the Jackson Elks Lodge.