While there are other groups looking to make sure families in need have Christmas gifts for their children, the Iola Elks were focused on making sure folks have been fed.
Elks members distributed 33 food baskets to area families Sunday, continuing a long-standing tradition with the local lodge.
“We know there are people going hungry,” said Mike Jewell, an Elks member, as he and a group of other volunteers began loading the baskets into waiting vehicles to be delivered.
Each basket was crammed with enough food for the heartiest Christmas dinner, as well as a number of meals later on.
The fare included a ham, potatoes, milk, bacon, eggs, bread, a pie and assorted vegetables.
The Elks purchased the food from the Save-A-Lot grocery store in Chanute at a cost of $54 apiece.
Jewell explained that area grocers send bids to the Elks to compare prices for the food.
The Save-A-Lot bid, while already lower than others the Elks received, went down even further when Jewell and company bought the food Sunday morning.
“They were able to get a couple of other discounts, so it was even cheaper for us than we originally expected,” Jewell said.
The baskets were delivered to residents ranging from Moran and Elsmore to Yates Center and Neosho Falls.
A few of the recipients knew in advance they would be receiving the gift baskets. Most, however, did not.
“These are people we hear about from Elks members or churches,” said Christina Martinez, the Elks food basket chairman for 2010.
Most could be classified as “working poor,” Jewell added, folks who are struggling financially but do not receive government assistance.
“It could be anybody who lost a job or just lost a spouse,” Jewell said. “There are plenty of people who need help this year.”
Elks continue food-giving tradition
