Time and opportunity to give to the community

With the holiday season upon us, it is time to reflect and count our blessings. It is also a time to think of others.

Historically, local churches and groups help families at Christmas time. In 1982, the groups banded together to create a unique community project - Christmas Baskets. The project is generously helped by civic groups, students, businesses and individuals.

Over 270 families in Carroll County were helped in 2005 with approximately one week's worth of food and other necessities, along with gifts for children up to age 18. For some of these families, it was a boost to tide them over. For others, it was survival for one more week, plus something for their children at Christmas.

The communities served by Christmas Baskets, Inc. are Burrows, Camden, Deer Creek, Delphi, Ockley, Pyrmont, Radnor, Rockfield and Yeoman.

Ways to donate to this project are:

1. Grocery donations - including canned fruit, vegetables, milk, meat, tuna and juice (no home-processed or baked goods can be accepted); pasta products and sauces; white and brown sugar; hot and cold cereals; shortening; peanut butter, jams and jellies; baby food and diapers; gelatins and puddings; cake mixes, baking mixes, corn meal, flour and Bisquick; all paper products; laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and facial soap.

Individuals or groups interested in making a large donation of one product, should contact Herb Campbell at (574) 965-2326.

2. Toy donations - new toys, puzzles, books and games for older children and families. Be sure to include batteries when donating toys.

3. Monetary donations - send to Virginia Thompson, 3696 N SR25, Delphi, IN 46923. Make checks payable to "Christmas Baskets." Your generosity would be greatly appreciated.

4. Toy sorting - your time as a volunteer is needed and appreciated. Dec. 12-14 toy donations will be sorted at Honan Hall, beginning at 9 a.m. each day.

5. Sorting food - beginning 9 a.m. each day Dec. 19-21 at National Guard Armory.

6. Box filling - Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Armory.

Cleanup crews are needed as well.