Thanks for Christmas basket support

Every December the Jackson Elks Lodge, with the help of the Jackson people, put together a Christmas basket program.

The district children collect canned goods and coins while the police department collects toys.

The Oak Ridge Homemakers collect clothing of all sizes and the Elks Lodge finds monetary benefactors to support the project.

This year on Dec. 5, the Lodge volunteers went around to the schools and gathered the canned goods back to the lodge for sorting. While sorting was taking place, the purchased dry goods were delivered and the fun began. Forming and taping of the 300-plus boxes by volunteers came on Dec. 6, with the packing starting that evening. Five-pound bags of sugar and flour, jars of peanut butter and pancake syrup started the process. Then came enough canned goods to supply a family of four for at least a week.

Saturday, Dec. 10, was delivery day. As the families arrived volunteers greeted and directed them on the path. After check in, they went to the Oak Ridge ladies area to pick up clothing then to the police department's area for toys, so there would be presents for each child. A volunteer then helped them take the basket out to the cooler for a ham and place the box in their vehicle.

The remainder of the canned goods was then distributed to food pantries and the women's shelter.

An outstanding job was done by all!

Thank you for all of the help both physically and monetarily. Without it we cannot make this happen each year. A special thank you to Michael Browne and his committee for a smooth operation.

CHARLES WILD, president,

Jackson Elks Lodge No. 2652, Jackson