Staff Reports

The 75th annual Christmas Basket Fund grew to $10,043 on Monday with recent donations of $550.

The newest donations include:

In loving memory of our daughter, Sarah C. McCoy, $100, from her family

In memory of Juanita Vice and Traci Allman, $100, from Paul Vice and family

In memory of Robert and Mary Ann Mann, $50, from Bobby and Debbie Mann

In memory of Tom and Shirley Sprague, $50 from Bobby and Debbie Mann

In memory of Pastor Dave and Sharon Ison, $50, from Bobby and Debbie Mann

In memory of Karen Richart, $50, by Paul and Frances

In memory of Nedra Short $25, from Bill and Gloria

In memory of D.R., Pick, Boxie, Bedel, Pete, Tommy G. and Herbie, $100, from Mike Ahlbrand

Happy Holidays to friends and neighbors!, $30, from Dwight and Maxine King

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.