Staff Reports

The 75th annual Christmas Basket Fund grew to $9,488 on Friday with recent donations of $470.

The newest donations include:

In memory of Michael Bobb and Matthew Bobb, $50, from Richard and Janet Bobb

In memory of Richard Greenwood, $20, from Bridget and her parents

In loving memory of our parents, $100, from PJ and TJ

In memory of Scott Foster. Miss you every day, $50, Mom and Dad

In loving memory of Doyle and Razor Edwards, $25, from the family

In memory of parents and grandparents, $100, from Steve and Joann Lanam

$125, from Delta Theta Tau

Correction to previous donation: In memory of Patsy McKain and Jim Kiel, $100, from Dan and Judy Kiel McKain

The generosity of Jackson County residents has resulted in more than $10,000 being raised each of the past few years. Last year, the total was $11,430.

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.