The 76th annual Christmas Basket Fund jumped to $2,225 on Thursday with recent donations of $350.

The newest donations include:

Merry Christmas, $100, from Bill and Sandy Brandt

In memory of Richard and Delena Beavers and Henry and Opal Beineke, $100, from Kevin and Dee Beavers, Stan and Karen Taskey and families

In memory of Aaron Taskey Sr. and Mike Taskey, $50, from Stan and Karen Taskey and family

In memory of mom and dad, $50, from Katie Hunsucker

In memory of Donnie Cooper, Dennis “D.R.” Riordan and Dan Sturgeon, $50, from Don Pridgen

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.

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

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

Businesses, corporations, service groups, churches, individuals or families may donate. Donors may contribute anonymously if they choose or 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.