Staff Reports

The 75th annual Christmas Basket Fund jumped to $13,548 on Thursday with recent donations of $925.

The newest donations include:

In memory of Curt and Matthew, $100, from Max

In memory of my parents, sisters, brother Colonel Turner Nolan and nephews, $100, from Jean Howard

In memory of Jackie Reichenbacker, $125, from Shirley Reichenbacker, Ron and Donna Reichenbacker, Mike and Connie Hollin, Jason and Vera Reichenbacker, Travis and Jamey Dillman, Mark and Kristy Tyler, Louie and Randi Pijarnsan, Ben Hollin and Danielle Singleton

In memory of Jennifer Russell, $25, from Mike and Connie Hollin, Travis and Jamey Dillman, Louie and Randi Pijarnsan, Ben Hollin and Danielle Singleton

In memory of Chris Hollin, $25, from Mike and Connie Hollin, Travis and Jamey Dillman, Louie and Randi Pijarnsan, Ben Hollin and Danielle Singleton

In loving memory of our parents Eldor and Ruth Spieker and Ernest and Eleanor Roberts, $100, from Mike and Brenda Spieker

In memory of Mary Schleter, $50, from the Don Schleter family

In memory of deceased relatives and friends, $100, from the Marcott family

In loving memory of Sarah Blevins and Louis "Pat" Schrink, $300, from their 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.