Staff Reports

The annual Christmas Basket Fund grew to $6,058 on Tuesday with recent donations of $555.

The newest donations include:

In memory of past American Legion commanders Herb Woodard and Dan Boone, $20, from past American Legion Commander Jack Schrader

In loving memory of “Giggy,” $50, from his family

In loving memory of Phyllis Anne Beeker, $100, from her family

$25, from Dennis and Vickie Barnes

In loving memory of our dear friend, Barb Wiethoff Guthrie, $100, from “The Herd”

Remembering our veterans, $10, anonymous

In memory of Ken Smith and Steve White, $50, anonymous

In memory of our friends, Lora Darlage and Raymond Spicer, $200, given by Robert and Mary Lou Shollenberger

Donations may be mailed to or dropped off at American Legion Post 89, The Tribune or any JCB branch. Donors and their dedications are published daily in The Tribune.

Donations allow for $50 JayC Food Stores gift cards to be distributed to less-fortunate people in the area whose applications are approved.

Requests for assistance will be accepted through Dec. 15. In order to receive one of the gift cards, people must live in Jackson County and submit a letter stating their need for assistance. Requests should be mailed to American Legion Basket Fund, P.O. Box 566, Seymour, IN 47274.

There is a limit of one gift card per person and one per address. Requests that list a post office box address will not be accepted.

Businesses, corporations, service groups, churches, individuals or families may donate. Donors may contribute anonymously if they choose and may dedicate their donations in memory or in honor of others.

The fund was started in 1945 by veterans returning home to Seymour and Jackson County from World War II to provide food for area families at Christmas.

Originally, the fund served those in need in Seymour, but it later was expanded to include all of Jackson County.