Staff Reports

The 75th annual Christmas Basket Fund jumped to $12,623 on Wednesday with recent donations of $995.

The newest donations include:

In memory of Roscoe and Pauline Shuler, Edna Lambert, James Lambert Sr. and Leona Stahl, $25, from David, Joan and Evan Shuler

In loving memory of Richard, Lisa, Carrie and Toni, $100, from Joby Moore and Rick Chisham

In memory of loved ones, $25, from Marvin and Linda Rumph

In loving memory of Earl Goecker and Wilma Engle $150, from Bob and Jeri, Shirley and Terry, Connie and Max, and Don

In memory of Jim Wilde, $50, from the family

In memory of Jim Werskey, $60, from the Catterton Family, Sandy Benefield, Ray Catterton and Sharon Cude

In memory of Jill and Will Jones, $50, from Fred and Tracie Moritz

In memory of Hap and Mary Moritz, $50, from Fred and Tracie Moritz

In memory of our parents, the William Gobles and the Ray Neals, $10, from Jerry and Cathy Goble

In memory of the Vietnam Veterans alive and those who gave all, $10, from Jerry Goble

In memory of Lanny McCune, $50, from the Scott’s, Angela, Lori, Patric and Greg

$250, from Society of St. Vincent de Paul St. Ambrose Catholic Church

In loving memory of Robert and Joyce Schleter, $50, from Sandy and family

In memory of Cora and Bud Harris, $25, from Patti and Dave Bush

In memory of Harold and Louise Bush, $50, from your family

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.