Rotary Helps Make Christmas Dinner Possible For Hundreds Of Families
Oskaloosa Middle School Student Council members helped to unload and prepare tons of food to be distributed to the less fortunate.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – A song echoed out of the hall at Central United Methodist Church Friday afternoon. The Oskaloosa Middle School Student Council sang songs while unloading the truckloads of food, stacking the hall with bags of carrots, potatoes and canned goods.
This year, 641 baskets were prepared as part of the Rotary project. This is an increase from the 590 baskets distributed last year, an indication that the need in the community continues to grow.
Funds for the baskets comes from donations by local businesses and individuals, and organizations all contribute to the effort to feed the less fortunate during the holiday season.
There are 3 different size food baskets put together by the organization. The size of the basket is in relation to the size of the family in need.
The High School National Honor Society, Oskaloosa Middle School Student Council, Oskaloosa Board of Realtors, and many Rotary members are but just a few of the volunteers that help to make the distribution process possible. “It’s a real collaborative effort,” says Andrew Glover with the Oskaloosa Rotary. “The fact that we get more requests for this every year shows there is a real need.”
The bill for the approximately 7 tons of food comes in at nearly $20,000 annually. There was literally a ton of oranges alone. “There are a lot of very caring and giving people in the community,” added Glover, “All being carried by these wonderful young people.”
Coy Snakenberg is one of those OMS Student Council members who was spending his Friday afternoon unloading the trucks of food. “It’s giving back to the people who are homeless and don’t have much. You just look around and say wow, I’m so thankful I have a great family and all these wonderful blessings.”
Rotary took over the project after the Human Resource Council disbanded. A common member between the two organizations helped to facilitate the change in leadership for the program. Since 2011, Rotary has handled the fundraising and organization of the project.
The baskets were distributed on Saturday at the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa.
