Oskaloosa Rotary Seeks Donations as Christmas Food Basket Signup Deadline Approaches
Rotary Vice President Chris Knowles and club member Michella Friesen recently stopped by the Oskaloosa News studio to talk about the annual Christmas food basket program and explain how residents can get help or support the effort.
OSKALOOSA, Iowa – The Oskaloosa Rotary Club is getting ready to provide Christmas meals for hundreds of Mahaska County families. However, organizers say they still need more donations to make this year’s program a success.
Rotary Vice President Chris Knowles and club member Michella Friesen recently stopped by the Oskaloosa News studio to talk about the annual Christmas food basket program and explain how residents can get help or support the effort.
Last year, the program helped about 724 Mahaska County households.
How the Program Works
The program gives free boxes of food to Mahaska County residents who qualify based on income.
Each box is sized for the number of people in a household. Small boxes are for one or two people, medium boxes for three or four, and large boxes, depending on funding; the boxes may include ham, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, milk, butter, cookie dough, and other foods for a Christmas meal.
Organizers said the amount of food in each box depends on how many donations come in before they order groceries.
More Donations Are Needed
Rotary relies on donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals to pay for. Knowles and Friesen said donations so far are not enough to provide full Christmas meal boxes for everyone. everyone.
The club is still raising money and has also applied for grants.
Anyone interested in donating can reach out to an Oskaloosa Rotary Club member. Knowles is available at Hy-Vee, and Friesen can be contacted through United Way.
How to Apply for a Food Basket
The deadline to apply is Thursday, November 19th.
This year, Rotary is using a QR code for applications instead of mailed forms.
Residents who can’t use the QR code can contact United Way for help with their application.
Food baskets will be distributed on Thursday, December 3rd, with pickup starting at 3:30 p.m.
Organizers also plan to deliver food baskets to eligible residents who can’t leave their homes.
Volunteers Make It Possible
The project brings together Rotary members, Oskaloosa middle and high school students, local realtors, businesses, and other volunteers from the community.
Volunteers help unload groceries, pack food boxes, hand out meals, and deliver boxes to residents who can’t pick them up.
People who want to volunteer don’t have to commit to a whole day. Even helping for a few hours makes a difference.
The program started with local realtors before it became a Rotary project. Realtors still volunteer along with other community members.
Rotary encourages anyone who needs help to apply before November 19th and asks those who can help to consider donating or volunteering.
