With the current state of our economy, the organizers of the Delphi Christmas Basket Project are concerned it is going to be tougher for people to donate this year. On the other hand, says project participant Nancy Cripe, more people will probably be needing help. This is why they would like the community to consider giving donations earlier this year.

"Times are hard, and I know that people can't have a Christmas like some of us do," said project leader Dwaine Ward.

The Christmas Basket Project has been the effort of several Delphi Churches for the past 25 years. Every two years a different church assumes the organization of the venture. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Delphi United Methodist Church, Delphi Lutheran, Delphi Christian Church, Delphi Presbyterian, and Living Faith Church of the Brethren are all churches that participate. The German Baptist Community has also aided in the task in the past.

Organized by the Methodists this year, the project is only intended for people living in the Delphi area because other communities have their own projects, organizers emphasized. According to project treasurer Virginia Thompson, last year's baskets contained $8,000 dollars worth of food and toys.

"Sometimes I get worried when the money isn't coming in," says Thompson. "But, we always make it. It's gotten a lot bigger. We get it by tens, twenties and hundreds. God's looking out for us."

Basket recipients are recommended by their friends and neighbors. Whoever is on the list of those needing assistance will receive it, without question. Small, medium, and large baskets are available.

For clarity the project committee would like to emphasize the baskets are not 'Christmas gift baskets.' Some recipients think the baskets contain fruit and candy like those one would buy in a department store. Ward said senior citizens' names get submitted with that thought in mind. Those people feel bad because the baskets contain a great deal of food they did not need. This is one reason the group is considering changing the name of the project.

Thompson tells the story of one Christmas when she saw someone come in whom she was surprised to see. Soon afterward she received a thank you note from them saying the year has been a hard one for them but the hope was that next year they would be helping out instead of receiving.

Project organizers are asking for monetary donations only. Those who are able and would like to help may send donations to Thompson at 3697N. SR25, Delphi. The group will ask for gifts of food and toys in November.

Work days to fill baskets will be Dec. 9 through 12. Call Ward at (765) 268-2302 or 564-8306 to volunteer to help. Boxes will be distributed the following Saturday.