The 76th annual Christmas Basket Fund jumped to $5,623.08 on Thursday with recent donations of $793.08.

In memory of Beverly Scott Johnson and Steve Steltenpohl, $50, from Marion and Janet Scott

In memory of our lost loved ones, $100, from Harold and Patty Wineinger

In loving memory of Wardell and Pauline White and Robert “Jake” and Pearl Marshall, $50

In loving memory of deceased members, $13.08, from Seymour City Extension Homemakers Club

In loving memory of our parents, Merl and Cordelia Snyder and Palois and Ruth Kerkhof, $20, by Allan and Mary Ellen Snyder

In loving memory of my sister, Jane Kerkhof Powers, $10, by Mary Ellen and family

Merry Christmas, $500, from Fraternal Order of Eagles Seymour Aerie 655

In memory of my best friend, $50, from Slimbeanie

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.