Christmas Basket Fund clears $12,000

Donations Monday to the 64th annual Christmas Basket Fund totaled $715, bringing the basket’s balance to $12,501.

Donations to the fund, sponsored by American Legion Post 89, Seymour, and The Tribune, go to help provide gift certificates redeemable for food items at Jay C Food Stores.

Local individuals and families in need of assistance had until last week to submit an application explaining their situations. Those wishing to donate to the fund have a couple of options. Donations, which come from individuals and  families, service organizations, clubs, businesses and industries, may be left at The Tribune’s front desk at 100 St. Louis Ave., Seymour, or at National City Bank.

Local veterans began the program after the end of World War II for those in need in Seymour. The fund was later expanded to the rest of the county. Gift certificates redeemable for foodstuffs, rather than traditional baskets, are now given to recipients.

Monday’s donations:

American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, $100.

In loving memory of our daughter, Tammy, parents, Joe and Pauline Abel and Novella Lewis, sisters, Donna Lewis and Roberta Davis and other loved ones, from Donnie and Patty Lewis, $25.

In loving memory of my husband, Junior Wagers, from Susi, $50.

Loving memory of Zelda Seibert, from “Wild Bunch” Euchre Card Club, $40.

Anonymous, $50.

In lieu of Christmas cards to friends, neighbors, and relatives and in memory of my husband, Orville Hackman, and our parents, Alva and Ora Hackman and Homer and Lillie Nehrt, by Carolyn Hackman, $100.

Anonymous, $20.

In loving memory of our parents, Genena “Jeannie” Burke and Clayton and Orpha Scott, from Marion and Janet Scott, $25.

In memory of Robert Chisham, Richard Chisham and Carrie Jackson, from the Family, $25.

In memory of loved ones, from Kathy Westfall, $30.

In memory of George “Bill” Abel from wife and children, $50.

In loving memory of Adam Joray, from Theresa, Joe, Nathan and Rachel Joray, $200.