Elks lodge seeks help to fill gift food baskets

With area residents faced with trying times this holiday season, the Iola Elks Lodge wants to help.
For more than 30 years, the Elks have provided food baskets to area families in need for Christmas, and want to do the same this year.
“Last year, we gave out over 60 food baskets,” noted Teresa Grewing, organizer. “Times are hard, and the need increases.”
The Elks Lodge is seeking donors to help purchase more. Grewing said a $50 donation is sufficient to purchase a food basket for a family of five.
Meanwhile, the Elks are collecting items to sell at their second annual live auction and “Soul Warming Soup Buffet” at 6 p.m. Dec. 4.
Grewing, who has helped with the basket giveaway for the past five years, has a special draw to the charitable effort.
She recalled one Christmas as a young mother to three children, “working, paying my bills, but struggling.”
“It was Christmas and I didn’t know how I was going to have a Christmas dinner or buy my girls toys,” she recalled.
About two weeks before Christmas, she heard a knock at her door. Two gentlemen came in with a box loaded with food. They had met Grewing’s daughters at morning breakfast sessions before school.
In addition to the food, the Samaritans brought three handmade cribs, with hand-quilted blankets.
“Because of their generosity, I was able to buy my girls a dolly to go with the cribs,” Grewing said. “My prayers had been answered. We had one of the best Christmases ever.”
She hopes to continue paying it forward.
The Elks gather the names of potential recipients from a variety of sources — other Elks members, schools, churches or other area organizations. A screening process follows to ensure need, before the food is purchased, packaged and delivered.
This year’s baskets will be delivered Dec. 19.
“If you know someone in need, please let us know,” Grewing said.
They need the recipients’ names, addresses, phone numbers and the number of household members.
Those looking to donate can mail checks to the Iola Elks Lodge No. 569, 202 S. Jefferson Ave., Iola KS 66749, or they can be dropped off at the lodge after 4 p.m.